Common Causes
- Loose panels or screws vibrating during operation
- Debris like sticks, leaves, or small objects in the outdoor unit
- Worn blower motor bearings
- Refrigerant lines rattling against the cabinet
- A failing capacitor causing a humming sound
- Ductwork ticking or popping as it expands and contracts
- A failing compressor
What You Can Safely Check
- Note when the noise happens — at startup, at shutdown, or continuously while running — and describe the sound (rattling, squealing, banging, clicking, humming)
- Look at the outdoor unit from a safe distance for visible debris
When to Call NILOV
- You hear squealing, grinding, or banging
- A new humming sound appears, especially at startup
- The noise is new, has changed, or is getting louder over time