Mini-splits have become one of the top heating and cooling solutions around Macon, Georgia, and for good reason. The US Department of Energy lists the benefits of using a mini split, like:
- Energy efficiency
- Small size
- Flexibility
- Ease of installation
- More interior design options
They work best in mild climates, making ductless mini-split installation a great choice in Macon, Georgia, and the surrounding areas, where the average climate ranges from 37° in the cool season to 91° in the hottest months.
You can rely on your mini split to last up to a decade or more, depending on its use and the frequency of routine maintenance. If your mini-split is making noises you don’t recognize, though, you may need to schedule service.
Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling offers professional heating or AC repair in Warner Robins, Macon, Forsyth, Jeffersonville, Dry Branch, and other local communities. We value care, speed, and quality. If your mini-split’s making a clicking noise or experiencing any other issues, we’ll help you figure out why, then fix it for you at your earliest convenience.
You deserve simple, efficient, whole-home comfort, and that starts with a working HVAC system. Ricky Heath technicians are up to the challenge and are ready to help.
Common Reasons a Mini-Split Makes a Clicking Noise
There are a few different reasons Peach State residents might be hearing a clicking noise, and fortunately, many of them are easy fixes, so you may not need a new HVAC system just yet. If the clicking is infrequent and quiet, the metal or plastic housing may be expanding and contracting as it heats or cools. This is normal, can happen even when the system has turned off, and doesn’t require any repairs.
Other common reasons a mini-split makes a clicking noise are:
- A bent fan: If debris gets inside your condenser unit, it can bend the fan blades, causing them to click as they turn and hit other interior parts.
- Obstructions: Debris inside the condenser can also completely block the fan from turning. It will sound like clicking as it tries to turn but hits something in its way.
- Loose parts: Any loose part, from interior motor parts to the outer housing, can rattle or click as the mini-split works.
- Mechanical problems: Worn or misaligned motor parts or mechanical pieces might make clicking sounds during operation.
- Refrigerant issues: If the pressure levels are off in the refrigerant lines, or if there’s a leak, the coils might make persistent clicking sounds as the coils expand and contract.
- Electrical problems: A failing relay switch or capacitor will make constant clicking sounds and may lead to the system being unable to turn on.
Other Types of Noises and What They Mean
Here are some common sounds you might hear from your mini-split.
Buzzing or humming sounds
If your mini-split hasn’t been installed properly, or if it has loose parts, it might vibrate or buzz, but these sounds could also be due to electrical problems like loose wires. It’s always best to call an experienced HVAC technician if you suspect electrical issues.
Rattling
A rattling or whirring sound could be due to a loose, dirty, or poorly lubricated fan, or it could be a sign that debris, like twigs or leaves, has gotten trapped inside the outdoor unit. You might also hear rattling if your air handler cover hasn’t been properly closed. Check the cover first, and if the rattling persists, call Ricky Heath for expert servicing.
Cracking or popping
A cracking, popping sound might be normal expansion and contraction of the housing. Still, it can happen when the insulation around your interior units or around the refrigerant lines is deteriorating or hasn’t been properly installed. You might also hear cracking sounds if there’s an ice buildup around the coils or if components are loose. If the sound is loud or if you’re concerned with your HVAC system, call your local HVAC service providers for help.
When To Call for Mini-Split Repairs
If you hear clicking sounds coming from your mini-split, there are a few DIY solutions you can try, like:
- Turn the system off and on again to see if the problem stops on its own.
- Check that the thermostat is working properly and is set correctly.
- Clear leaves, dirt, and debris away from the outdoor unit.
- Notice when the clicking occurs to see if it’s caused by normal metal expansion and contraction.
- Look for loose screws or metal parts on the casing that may rattle when the system is on.
It’s time to call Ricky Heath and schedule a mini-split repair if the clicking is:
- Frequent: Occasional clicks while the system heats up or cools down are normal, but if the system is always making noise, it may need repair.
- Loud: An experienced HVAC tech should investigate any loud or unusual sound emanating from your mini-split to determine its source. A timely repair could prevent a full system failure in the future.
- Accompanied by HVAC performance problems: Clicking, along with other issues, means your mini-split needs immediate repair from a certified technician.
- Coming from the compressor: Your condenser/compressor is found in the outdoor unit. This important piece shouldn’t make strange sounds. If it does, it requires immediate attention.
Don’t unscrew panels or open the housing up to try to solve the issue yourself. Mini-splits are complex, with electrical connections, delicate mechanical parts, and refrigerant inside. Instead, call Ricky Heath to schedule mini-split repair.
You can avoid most HVAC headaches by scheduling routine maintenance twice per year, once before the summer heat sets in and once in the fall to prepare the heating system for the winter chill. Our team will inspect, clean, lubricate, and calibrate your system and perform comprehensive safety checks. From air filter replacement to electrical system inspections, we’ll make sure your HVAC is safe, efficient, and ready for the season.
Call Ricky Heath for HVAC Services
At Ricky Heath, our HVAC experts will surpass your expectations through positive interactions, high-quality customer care, and professionalism on every job. We’re trustworthy and will find the source of any heating or cooling problem and solve it quickly, so you can once again enjoy a comfortable home at the touch of a button.
To show our continued appreciation for our customers, we offer helpful financing solutions and special offers for additional savings. You can also join Ricky’s Happy Homes Club, a preventative maintenance plan that provides benefits like:
- Heating and AC safety checks and system analysis
- Priority service, with access to our member-only phone number
- Preferential pricing for repairs and services
- Our extended warranties
- Waived dispatch fees
- Complementary sewer and plumbing system checks
Keeping your HVAC and plumbing systems operating at peak efficiency will ensure you have all the modern comforts you need, with fewer breakdowns and disruptions to your life.
Contact Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling today for all your HVAC needs. We’ll help you with everything from AC installation services to finding the perfect temperature setting for Georgia summers.
