Identifying Air Conditioner Sounds/Noise
- Your air conditioner consists of many components, each of which may produce sound during operation.
- Below, you can listen to sound recordings to identify the source of the noise and learn how to address it
※ The volume of the recordings has been amplified for clarity.
Normal Operating Sounds
Louver operating noise
Grinding
When the parts that direct the airflow adjust their positions, grinding 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 sound
Snapping / Hitting
Snapping or hitting noise may occasionally occur due to sudden temperature changes within the plastic
molding.
This is similar to the ticking sounds from a TV caused by heat generation.
This is a normal operating sound resulting from the internal components of the air conditioner reacting to
temperature changes.
Rest assured, it is not a product malfunction.
Drain pump noise
Water draining
When the drain pump is in use, you may hear the motor turning.
This is a normal operating noise.
Wall-mounted relay noise
click / clunk
The wall-mounted AC supplies power to the outdoor unit through the power relay component of the indoor unit.
During this process, the indoor unit relay turns on every two hours and preheats the outdoor unit.
This is a normal operating sound.
Bearing operating noise
Swishing
When the AC is blowing at low speed, you may hear a swishing sound.
This is a normal operating noise, which may seem louder at night when there is less background noise.
Indoor unit refrigerant noise
Hissing / Gurgling
When the AC is blowing at low speed, you may hear hissing and gurgling sounds.
These are normal operating noises, which may seem louder at night when there is less background noise.
Indoor unit drain hose
Knocking / 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.
Indoor Drain Hose
Thudding
The drain hose may be exposed to the outside and may make noise as it hits the wall due to the wind.
This is common noise, but you can reduce this noise by securing the drain hose.
Outdoor Compressor Frequency Change Sound
Buzzing
In inverter models, the compressor's rotation speed (frequency) changes depending on indoor and outdoor
temperatures.
During this process, 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 Sounds
Please request service in the below described cases.
Indoor unit fan noise
Rhythmic hitting
If the fan of the indoor unit produces a loud 'hitting’ noise as it moves,
this indicates that the fan is making contact with the body of the indoor unit.
Service is required in this case.
Outdoor compressor vane jumping noise
Clunking
When the indoor temperature is close to the desired temperature, the rotational speed (frequency) of the outdoor
unit’s compressor may decrease.
If the frequency drops to 10Hz, a specific noise may be produced.
This noise is likely a vane jumping sound, especially if it stops when switching to Cool Power mode.
This issue requires service.
Outdoor fan contact noise
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.
This noise requires service.
Contact noise from pipe inside outdoor unit
Brrrrr / Drilling
If the pipe inside the outdoor unit touches the compressor or front panel, noise may occur.
This noise requires service.
Outdoor unit high-frequency noise
High-frequency beeping
High-frequency noise may occur due to malfunctioning components such as compressors and motors.
Please request service in this case.
Outdoor unit contact with stacking shelf
Buzzing / Drilling
This noise occurs as the outdoor unit and stacking shelf were not aligned during installation and
are making contact.
Such noise requires service.
This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your product.
