Climatic equipment is installed to create comfortable living conditions. Small inconveniences in the form of a rumble of a working fan are noticeable only at first. The noise of the split system does not exceed the level of loud conversation. The appearance of uncharacteristic sounds violates the usual order. Depending on the time of occurrence, they speak of various problems with the air conditioning. Serious failures are fixed by the service center master, and you can tighten the loose screw yourself.
Why is knocking
The key to a long and reliable operation of HVAC equipment is high-quality installation. A place away from heat sources is selected for the indoor unit. Mounting is carried out on the mounting plate. The wall material must withstand the weight of the equipment. The path between the indoor and outdoor units must be airtight and hidden in thermal insulation.
Violation of the installation rules leads to problems in the operation of the air conditioner. But not only the installation affects the functioning of the equipment.
A knock in a block occurs for several reasons:
- Malfunction of the drainage system. To collect and drain condensate, a drain pan and drain hose are provided in the design of the indoor unit. Stagnant moisture, improper discharge to the outside or kink of the pipe lead to a gurgle of water. In winter, the problem is exacerbated by freezing.
- The creak of the body. When the temperature changes, the plastic case of the budget models makes a crackling sound. It arises as a result of expansion or contraction of the material. There is no danger to the unit and passes after a few seconds.
- The sound of a running fan. As a result of loosening the screws, the impeller shifts. It hits the grille and other details. Worn bearings affect engine performance. The unit functions, but makes knocking sounds. It is characterized by an uneven rhythm.
- Motor mounting bolts loosened. High loads and long work lead to wear of the fasteners. Loose bolts do not hold the motor well; it knocks when the fan is turned on.
- Extraneous noise includes the sound of dripping water. It occurs during thawing of the heat exchanger.
- Clicks in the indoor unit. When the equipment is turned on and off, an automatic relay is triggered. If clicks are heard while the unit is operating, the tonality of the engine changes in parallel, then this is a signal to call the master.
- Foreign objects, such as a mounting bolt, getting into the unit.
- The reason for the buzz and vibration of the air conditioner is the weakening of the bearing capacity of the wall, the appearance of cracks in the place of attachment of the device.
Wind is a common source of noise
The external unit of the split system is installed on the street, it is connected to the internal trunk pipes. In strong winds, poorly fixed equipment sways. Sound is transmitted to the indoor unit. Another source of noise is the drain hose, which is brought out of the air conditioner. The conditioner knocks in strong winds when gusts blow into the end of the drain pipe, creating a characteristic hum. The generated pressure directs air to the indoor unit. Gurgling sounds are heard in the drain pan.
Poor thermal insulation and sealing of the hose outlet leads to rocking and knocking. This is a mounting defect, it is not difficult to fix it on your own. When using condensate drain to the sewer system, it is recommended to install a coupling with a check valve. Such a detail eliminates extraneous sounds.
In windy weather, problems arise with the equipment turned on and off. Manufacturers recommend carefully choosing the installation location of the external unit and place it under the protective visor. An unusual sound when the air conditioner is operating in calm weather signals a blockage. In the summer season, poplar fluff and leaf fall often have to clean the fan blades of the outdoor unit from debris.
Operation of the air conditioner in winter
Standard split systems are not designed to operate at temperatures below -5-7 °. The limit indicator manufacturers indicate in the documents. Air conditioning systems with a winter kit work normally. They function at -30 °. The heating mode is popular in the cold season. When turning on the equipment, remember about the problems that arise when operating units that are not designed for frost:
- compressor oil thickens, its operation becomes difficult;
- freezes drainage;
- the heat exchanger freezes.
Low temperatures lead to an independent transition of freon to a liquid state in the compressor of the outdoor unit. Unusual sounds appear when the air conditioner is turned off. Noise is added by periodic defrosting of the external unit. Air conditioners knock on the apartment in winter due to a lack of freon in the system. Refrigerant is lost due to leaks due to improper installation. In this case, a diagnosis by a climatic technician is necessary.
A common practice is the conservation of household air conditioners for the winter. Split systems are disconnected from the power supply, the drain pan is drained.
Knock on and off
The problematic node of a working air conditioner is a fan. It makes loud noises for several reasons: loosening fasteners, engine wear, impeller deformation. Contamination of the blades leads to imbalance, blows to the panel. Air conditioners knock off due to clogged drainage system or improper refrigerant circulation. When you turn on after a long simple pump works with a bang, but this is a short-term phenomenon.
Troubleshooting
Partly unpleasant noise can be eliminated by yourself. Complex problems are trusted by service representatives; non-professional intervention exacerbates the situation.
In what cases do the masters go without an invitation:
- The unit is installed at a large slope. Level the air conditioner, using the level, place it at an angle of no more than 5 °.
- The fixing screws are loosened, so the indoor unit is knocking. Fasten the screw all the way.
- Inspect the filter of the indoor unit. Incorrect operation of equipment is often associated with its pollution. The coarse filter is taken out, washed under running water, dried, then inserted into place. The procedure is carried out every 2-3 weeks, if there is a lot of dust in the room, every week.
- Bad angle of the drainage tube. The hose is bent closer to the wall, the short branch is increased. If the air conditioner does not function in the winter, install a plug. It prevents the penetration of cold and prevents wind blowing.
Immediate contact with specialists is recommended if there is a crash and loud noise in the outdoor unit when the air conditioner is turned on. These are signs of a compressor malfunction.
The noise level of the indoor unit of a household air conditioner does not exceed 26-38 dB. Any malfunctions associated with knocking and other extraneous sounds are noticeable from the moment they appear. Some of them are safe, but most require diagnosis. Calling the master from the service center will eliminate the need to change expensive parts, such as a split system compressor.
