Air conditioners have several moving parts that help them remove heat and humidity from indoor spaces. However, those components should never cause your unit to shake or vibrate excessively when in operation. If you encounter this problem, you will likely wonder, “Why is my AC unit shaking?”
As a top provider of AC services in Avondale, AZ, Mountainside Air knows that HVAC shaking can stem from several issues, some of which have relatively simple fixes. Below, we’ll explain why cooling systems sometimes shake and how you can prevent this from happening with your equipment.
Common Reasons for AC Unit Vibrations in Avondale
Dealing with an air conditioner that isn’t functioning correctly is certainly frustrating. However, recognizing the possible reasons behind a vibrating unit will help you take the necessary steps to resolve the underlying issue.
If you want to know the answer to “Why is my AC unit shaking?” consider these potential explanations:
Improper Air Conditioning Sizing
Sometimes, the reason for a vibrating air conditioner has more to do with its size and less to do with its operations. Sizing HVAC equipment accurately is crucial for performance and efficiency.
Perhaps you have an older Avondale home or commercial building with an outdated cooling unit. In that case, your current air conditioning system may not have the capacity to meet your comfort needs. It’s also possible that the system was never the right size for the property.
Improperly sized air conditioners can create several issues, including excessive wear and tear due to overworking themselves to maintain temperatures. They can also develop mechanical problems, which cause noticeable shaking and vibrating.
Dirt Buildup
Dust and debris will get inside your cooling unit’s indoor and outdoor components. Excessive buildup can reduce the system’s performance and efficiency. If you haven’t cleaned your air conditioner in a long time, the accumulation of debris could cause the equipment to work harder, resulting in noisy vibrations.
Thankfully, you can take several steps to minimize dust and dirt buildup, including:
- Replacing the air filter
- Unplugging and vacuuming the indoor unit
- Removing debris around the outdoor condenser unit
When it comes to cleaning the condenser unit, it’s usually best to contact a local HVAC technician who can clean the interior components without compromising them. If dirt was the reason behind your equipment’s shaking problem, everything should go back to normal.
Mechanical and Electrical Problems
If you’re still wondering, “Why is my AC unit shaking?” after cleaning it and replacing its filter, it may have a mechanical issue. Loose components, mounting problems with the compressor, and an imbalanced fan blade are examples of mechanical problems that can cause air conditioners to shake excessively, as are motor shaft misalignments and worn bearings.
Electrical problems can also cause your air conditioner to shake. For instance, damaged wiring and incorrect voltage supply can trigger excessive vibrations.
No matter the issue, it’s best to contact a certified HVAC professional to assess your air conditioner. Addressing mechanical and electrical cooling system issues requires a high level of expertise to prevent additional complications.
Does Shaking Indicate Possible Air Conditioning Failure in Avondale?
Shaking air conditioners don’t always indicate impending system failure. However, some issues can cause cooling units to vibrate and eventually shut down if you don’t address them promptly.
For instance, leaks in refrigerant lines can affect a cooling unit’s ability to absorb heat. The inefficiency forces the air conditioner to overwork itself, potentially leading to premature failure.
Shaking at the beginning of each cooling cycle is usually a sign of system failure. The shaking is the result of a hard start, which may indicate an issue with the capacitor.
How To Address a Vibrating Air Conditioning Unit
Turning off your air conditioner when temperatures rise in Avondale isn’t ideal. However, it’s the first thing you should do if your unit shakes to prevent additional damage. Your second step is to contact an HVAC technician to inspect and possibly clean and repair your unit.
Reach Out to HVAC Professionals for Expert Help With Your Cooling System
If you’re still wondering, “Why is my AC unit shaking?” our team at Mountainside Air can help. Our veteran-owned company provides comprehensive heating and cooling services throughout Avondale, Arizona, including cooling unit inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
Our skilled technicians recognize the most common causes of AC shutdowns and can implement lasting solutions to ensure system functionality. Whether you’re dealing with fan blade imbalance or compressor issues, we can help.
Contact Mountainside Air today to schedule an appointment in Avondale.