Are you wondering if a sound from your air conditioner is normal?
Your air conditioner consists of many components, and each component can
produce sound during operation.
Below, you can listen to sound recordings to identify the source of the
noise and find out how to address it.
※ The volume of the recordings has been amplified so you can hear the sounds more clearly.
Normal Operating Sounds
Outlet vent louver operation
Thudding
When the parts that direct the airflow adjust their positions, thudding
sounds may occur.
This is a normal operating sound that occurs at the beginning of use or
when changing the wind direction.
This sound is produced as the louvers move through different angles for
precise positioning, so there is no need for concern.
Plastic expansion
Snapping
Snapping noise may occasionally occur due to sudden temperature changes
within molded plastic.
This is similar to the thermal expansion "popping" sounds from a TV.
Please rest assured, this is a normal operating sound resulting from the
internal components of the air conditioner reacting to temperature
changes.
Drain pump
Gurgling
When the drain pump operates, you may hear gurgling sounds as well as
the sound of the motor turning.
These are normal operational noises.
Wall-Mounted AC Relay
click/clunk
The wall-mounted AC’s indoor unit supplies power to the outdoor unit via
its power relay.
During this process, the indoor unit relay turns on every two hours and
preheats the outdoor unit.
This is a normal operating sound.
Bearing operation
Swishing
When the AC is operating at low fan speed, you may notice a swishing
sound.
This is a normal operating noise, which may sound louder at night when
it is quiet.
Indoor unit refrigerant
Hissing / Gurgling
When the AC is operating at low fan speed, you may notice hissing and
gurgling sounds.
These are normal operating noises, which may sound louder at night when
it is quiet.
Concealed drain hose
Water dripping noise
You may hear water dripping sounds from the indoor unit shortly after
turning it off.
This noise occurs at the bend of the drain hose. You can reduce the
noise by extending the length of the drain hose.
However, this is normal operating noise, so please rest assured.
Exposed drain hose
Thudding
The exposed drain hose may hit the wall and generate noise when the wind
blows.
This is common noise, but it can be reduced by securing the drain hose.
Outdoor unit compressor frequency change
Buzzing
In inverter models, the compressor's rotational speed (frequency)
changes depending on indoor and outdoor temperatures.
When the frequency changes, you may hear a buzzing noise that may vary
in volume.
This is a normal operating sound associated with frequency changes, so
please rest assured.
Abnormal Noise That Require Inspection
For the following types of noises, an inspection by a technician is
recommended.
Please contact LG Electronics Customer Support to request a service
visit.
Indoor unit fan contact noise
Rattling / Rhythmic hitting
If the indoor unit fan produces a loud 'hitting’ noise as it moves, it
is making contact with the body of the indoor unit.
To resolve this issue, a service inspection is required.
Outdoor compressor vane jumping
Clunking
When the indoor temperature nears the desired temperature, the outdoor
compressor may rotate at a slower speed (frequency).
A specific noise may be produced when the frequency drops to 10Hz
This noise is likely a vane jumping sound, especially if it stops after
switching to Cool Power mode.
If you experience such noise, please contact LG Support.
Contact noise from outdoor unit fan
Rapid rattling
If the unit is subjected to impact or is not installed level, the fan
may come into contact with the front panel, causing noise.
If you experience such noise, please request service.
Contact noise from outdoor unit pipe
Brrrrr / Drilling
If the pipe inside the outdoor unit touches the compressor or front
panel, rattling noise may occur.
If you experience such noise, please request service.
Outdoor unit high frequency sound
High frequency whining
When components like compressors and motors are defective, they can
cause high-frequency sounds.
If you experience such noise, please request service.
Contact noise from outdoor unit stand
Rattle / Buzz
This noise occurs as the outdoor unit and stacking shelf (or stand) were
not aligned during installation and are making contact.
If you experience such noise, please request service.
This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your product.
