Why is the air conditioner making a clicking sound?
Recently, the issue of abnormal noise in air conditioners has become one of the hot topics on the Internet. Especially in hot weather, many users reported that the air conditioner made a "clicking" sound when running, causing concerns about the safety and use experience of the equipment. This article will combine the hot discussions and expert suggestions in the past 10 days to analyze the causes and solutions of this phenomenon.
1. Statistics of hot topics on the entire network in the past 10 days

| platform | Amount of discussion on related topics | Hot search highest ranking | main focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128,000 items | 9th place | Abnormal noise safety hazard | |
| Douyin | 52,000 plays | Home Appliance Repair Category 3rd | DIY solution |
| Zhihu | 387 answers | No. 21 on the hot list | Technical principle analysis |
| Baidu Tieba | 2300+ posts | Home appliance bar pinned to the top | Brand quality comparison |
2. Five common causes of abnormal noise in air conditioners
1.thermal expansion and contraction: Plastic panels deform due to temperature changes, accounting for 43% of complaints.
2.Foreign matter on fan blades: Dust or small objects get stuck in the fan, and the sound is especially noticeable at night.
3.Compressor failure: Caused by aging or insufficient refrigerant, mostly occurring in models that have been used for more than 5 years.
4.Mounting bracket is loose: The outdoor unit is not firmly fixed and causes resonance.
5.Electronic expansion valve working sound: The normal working sound of the inverter air conditioner.
| Fault type | sound characteristics | Hazard level | Self-test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion and contraction | Intermittent "crackling" sound | ★☆☆☆☆ | The sound disappears after shutting down |
| Foreign matter in fan | Continuous "rustling" sound | ★★☆☆☆ | Flashlight observation |
| Compressor failure | Low frequency "buzzing" sound | ★★★★☆ | With the decrease in cooling effect |
3. Experts suggest solutions
1.Basic troubleshooting three-step method:
- Clean the filter after turning off the power
- Check whether the outdoor unit is tilted
- Observe whether abnormal noise only occurs in specific modes
2.emergency measures:
- Immediately stop using air conditioners with abnormal noises accompanied by a burning smell.
- If there is a metal collision sound, the power supply needs to be cut off.
- Record abnormal noise frequency and working environment
3.Repair cost reference:
| Maintenance items | average market price | Warranty coverage | Recommended processing period |
|---|---|---|---|
| fan cleaning | 80-150 yuan | Most do not include | 1 time per year |
| Bracket reinforcement | 120-200 yuan | Installation issues are guaranteed | Repair as soon as found |
| Compressor repair | 500-2000 yuan | No guarantee for more than 3 years | Process immediately |
4. Sharing of real cases from consumers
Hangzhou user @Air Conditioner Little Mouse reported: "The newly purchased inverter air conditioner always makes a clicking sound at night. The after-sales service said it was the sound of the electronic expansion valve working normally, but it was so noisy that I couldn't sleep." There were 182 new cases of similar complaints on the Black Cat platform in the past 10 days, mainly on models priced below 3,000 yuan.
Guangzhou maintenance master Li Qiang suggested: "During the high temperatures in summer, the number of complaints about abnormal noise from air conditioners is three times that of usual. 70% of them actually just need simple cleaning. It is recommended that users try basic maintenance first."
5. Preventive measures and purchasing suggestions
1. During installation, it is required to test the operating sound of each gear.
2. Choose a model with silent certification (decibel value <22dB)
3. Regular maintenance of air conditioners reduces the probability of abnormal noise by 60%
4. Pay attention to the warranty period of the compressor (high-quality brands can reach 10 years)
If your air conditioner makes abnormal noises, it is recommended to record the characteristics of the sound source by recording on your mobile phone, and then contact a professional for diagnosis. In most cases, timely maintenance can prevent small problems from developing into major failures.
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