Why does my air conditioner make a whooshing sound?

Author: Soledad Stehr  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The air conditioning system's evaporator coil is tasked with pulling heat and excess humidity from the air. Due to a lack of AC maintenance, the evaporator coil can collect dust, dirt, and other debris that can disrupt airflow. This can cause noises such as whooshing when air passes over the coils.

Why is my AC making a whooshing sound?

Dirty air filter: A blocked air filter can limit airflow, causing a whooshing sound. It's easy for a homeowner to replace or clean the filter, but it's also something that our HVAC technicians can handle during a regular tune-up visit.

Why does my air conditioner make a sloshing sound?

Sloshing water sound is common for a few reasons - the first being water getting hit by the fan blade. This happens in very humid days or if the drain is blocked. The second cause is refrigerant sloshing through the compressor, which is common on newer units that aren't balance yet.

Why is my AC making a wind sound?

Air filter clogged with dust can cause wind noises from the indoor unit. Please make sure that the air inlet is not obstructed by any object . ▶ Air filter clogged with dust can cause wind noises from the indoor unit.

What does a failing AC compressor sound like?

If, on inspection, you hear chattering, whining, squealing, chirping, or rattling sounds coming from the AC compressor, it is time for AC service. Sometimes the commotion only erupts when you engage the AC switch. Some noises remain constant. Compressor noises result from either a faulty clutch or a seizing shaft.

5 Common AC Noises and What They Could Mean

How do you know if your air conditioner compressor is going out?

Below, we'll detail the warning signs of a bad AC compressor and the steps you should take to address this common issue.
  • Clicking or Chattering. ...
  • Rumbling and Rattling. ...
  • Restricted Airflow. ...
  • Warm Air Flowing. ...
  • Refrigerant Leak. ...
  • Tripping Circuit Breaker. ...
  • Unit Vibrates When Starting. ...
  • Air Conditioner Won't Turn On.

What does a bad AC capacitor sound like?

A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel.

What is the whooshing sound in split system?

The “whooshing” sound you hear is made by a valve as it reverses your unit from the heating mode to the defrost mode. It's like your unit is briefly switching over from heating to air conditioning. This way the heat gets directed towards the outdoors, melting the ice on the heat exchangers, instead of into your house.

How much does a compressor cost for an air conditioner?

On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.

What does a bad air conditioner sound like?

If your air conditioner is making a shrieking noise, this is an indicator of an issue with the fan motor. This sound may also be caused by a broken motor in the compressor of the condenser system. A screeching or squealing noise may also be caused by a damaged blower fan motor inside your house.

Why is my AC making a hissing sound?

If your AC has a refrigerant leak, you may hear a hissing or bubbling noise coming from the compressor in your outdoor unit. Since the system is pressurized, the hissing sound happens when it loses pressure due to a refrigerant leak—if the leak is large enough.

How to clear a clogged AC drain line?

To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.

Why does my AC sound like a jet engine?

A jet engine sound may be produced if the condenser fan in the outdoor unit is working improperly. The noise may indicate an accumulation of dirt and debris within the unit or an electrical issue with the fan.

What is the whooshing sound?

The most common symptom of pulsatile tinnitus is regularly hearing a steady beat or whooshing sound. The beat or sound is often in synch with the patient's heartbeat. When their heart rate increases, the beat or sound will become faster; when it decreases, the beat or sound will slow.

Why is my AC sloshing?

Simple condensation buildup is likely to blame. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the inside air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is designed to catch and funnel the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line.

Why does my AC make a whirring sound?

A whirring noise, unlike a rattling or banging noise, indicates debris stuck inside the air conditioner. In the indoor unit, this is often a soft piece of debris such as a sliver of paper, as the thin sheet creates a whistling or whirring noise when air circulates around it.

What is the life expectancy of an AC compressor?

Your air conditioner compressor should last the whole lifespan of your air conditioner, about twelve years or more if you choose a ClimateCare air conditioner. However, it might not last that long if your air conditioner is too small for the space it's cooling, or if you don't keep your air conditioner well-maintained.

Is it worth fixing an air conditioner compressor?

Replacing the broken AC compressor on an older unit may just be a temporary fix. You will have to buy a new system when the old AC system eventually breaks down. For older ACs, a complete system replacement is more cost-effective in the long run than replacing the compressor.

Why does my AC make a whooshing sound?

The air conditioning system's evaporator coil is tasked with pulling heat and excess humidity from the air. Due to a lack of AC maintenance, the evaporator coil can collect dust, dirt, and other debris that can disrupt airflow. This can cause noises such as whooshing when air passes over the coils.

What causes the whoosh sound?

That Whooshing Sound May Be Caused By Tinnitus

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from a condition known as tinnitus. Pronounced “ti-nuh-tuhs” (or alternatively, “ti-NIGHT-us”), tinnitus is characterized by a persistent ringing, swishing, buzzing, or—yes—whooshing sound in one or both ears.

Why does my air conditioner make a wind sound?

* Loose or worn parts: Over time, parts of the air conditioning system can loosen or wear out, which can produce mechanical noises. * Improper installation: If the air conditioning system has not been installed correctly, vibrations and rubbing between the parts can cause unwanted noises or even damage the equipment.

What are the 2 typical signs that a capacitor is bad or has failed?

Bad AC Capacitor Symptoms Checklist
  • Smoke or a burning smell from exterior air conditioning components.
  • A humming noise from your air conditioner.
  • Your air conditioner takes some time to start a cooling cycle once you turn it on.
  • The air conditioning system shuts off at random.

What is the most common part to fail on an AC unit?

#1 Most Common Air Conditioning Repair – Bad Capacitor

The fan of course makes a whirring noise, the compressor is like a deep buzz like a refrigerator running. Holding your hand above the fan should feel warmer than the outside air.

Will AC still run with a bad capacitor?

If the start capacitor malfunctions or wears out, it usually prevents the HVAC unit or the blower from turning on. A bad run capacitor won't prevent the unit from starting, but it can lead to the unit shutting down prematurely, overheating or making more noise than usual.

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