Why Is My Air Conditioner Unit Shaking?
May 18, 2022
Vibrations are generally not good with anything mechanical unit, especially if we're talking about excessive shaking accompanied by loud noises. This definitely applies to your air conditioning system. If this is what's happening with your AC, the first thing you need to do is shut it off. As for why your A/C unit may be shaking in the first place, we'll go over some possibilities below.
Your A/C May Need a Thorough Cleaning
Dirt, dust, and debris can affect the various components that need to work together to make an air conditioning unit work effectively. If your unit hasn't been cleaned in a while, it may shake due to working harder to cool your inside spaces. Should this be the issue, the vibrations will likely stop once your AC has been properly cleaned. This is something you can do by:
- Changing the filter
- Removing any debris from around the outside unit
- Lightly vacuum the inside unit after you unplug it
- Spraying down the external unit with a hose
In addition to stopping your A/C unit from shaking, a thorough cleaning helps your unit run more efficiently. This, in turn, can add up to noticeable and much-appreciated savings. If you don't feel comfortable thoroughly cleaning your air conditioning unit, contact an HVAC professional. Doing so also allows your AC unit to be thoroughly inspected, which is also beneficial.
There Could Be Mechanical Issues
Another possibility is that something mechanical may be affecting your air conditioning unit enough to cause it to shake excessively. Possible culprits include:
- The fan motor or motor fan blade
- The compressor
- The blower wheel
With anything mechanical, it's best to call an HVAC technician. Along with avoiding the potential risk of personal safety issues, we recommend doing this to avoid invalidating any manufacturer's warranties that may still be in effect. In many instances, not having a qualified HVAC technician makes repairs voids a warranty.
Your A/C Unit May Be Not Be Sized Properly
A shaking A/C unit may also become more noticeable if your air conditioning unit isn't correctly sized for your home. This can happen for many reasons. For example, if you have an older home, the existing AC unit may not have been designed with your current indoor comfort preferences.
It's also possible your system may have been incorrectly sized when it was first installed. In either case, incorrect sizing can make your unit work harder to achieve the desired indoor temperature, eventually contributing to excess wear and related mechanical issues – hence the vibrations.
If this is the case, upgrading to a properly sized unit is one way to solve the problem. Another possibility is considering supplemental cooling options, like a heat pump or ceiling fans, to improve air circulation.
Call Us Today
If your A/C unit is shaking, give Master Mechanical a call. Our technicians will arrive quickly to figure out what's going on so you can once again stay cool and comfortable in your home. Regular AC maintenance is also a cost-effective way to maintain your home's comfort during the warmer months of the year.
Contact our experienced HVAC and comfort pros today.