Window Air Conditioner Clicking? Solve It in These Easy Steps

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear snap, crackle, pop? I bet it’s not your air conditioner. However, a window air conditioner’s clicking noise may bring it to mind. Or just make you crazy. 

So why does your air conditioner click and what can you do about it?

Actually, there are several reasons for your window AC to click, so diagnosing may take a bit of time. Sometimes, the noise is due to the normal function of the compressor turning on. It could also be due to a dirty filter, something loose and rattling inside, or issues with the fan.

Let’s dig deeper and help you find out what has your air conditioner clicking.

What You’ll Need

• Screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Needle-nose pliers
• X-acto knife

The Compressor – A Fix Might Not be Necessary!

As mentioned above, some clicking noises are perfectly normal. Let me explain that in better detail.

The compressor is probably the most important component of your air conditioner. Its job — therefore the name — is to compress the low pressure refrigerant from the evaporator and discharge it to the condenser coil. With the help of the condenser fan this then rejects the heat to the outside. 

Another possible reason for clicking is the sound of the exterior metal cabinet expanding or contracting as this heating and cooling.

So a few clicks while the compressor is doing its job or the sound of metal expanding and contracting is perfectly normal. However, if your unit clicks continuously, that may indicate a problem.

Window AC Clicking Due to Compressor Issue – The Fix 

Not to confuse the issue, but clicking from the compressor might be completely normal, as explained above, or it could be the symptom of something serious. 

If you’re hearing the clicking sound in connection with an air conditioner that’s failing to cool, it may be because your compressor isn’t starting. That click could be the sound of it attempting to run.

To test your compressor, do the following.

Step 1

Power off your air conditioner

Step 2

Remove the air conditioner from the window and place it somewhere stable

Step 3

Remove the front panel (depending on your model, you may need a screwdriver)

Step 4

Remove the filter

Step 5

Remove the screws securing the cabinet to the frame

Step 6

The compressor is a large cylinder, typically black or silver. Inspect the terminals and wires connected to them for any visible damage or burn marks

Step 7

• Use a multimeter on the continuity setting to test the compressor. 
• Using needle-nose pliers, put the red node on the C terminal and the black node on the S terminal. The voltage reading should be well below 30 ohms
• Leave the black node on S and move the red node to R. Your readings should remain well below 30 ohms
• Now move the black node to terminal R and the red node to terminal C. If your readings are above 30 ohms at any time you have a bad compressor, and it needs to be replaced

Window AC Clicking Due to the Fan – The Fix 

If your air conditioner is clicking constantly and rhythmically while it’s running, it’s likely an issue with a fan blade.

Loose, bent, broken, or blocked blades will typically make noise with every revolution.

Step 1

Unplug your air conditioner and remove it from the window. Then place it somewhere stable

Step 2

Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, remove the front panel, the filter, and the cabinet

Step 3

Do a visual inspection of the fan blades. If there dirty clean them off. 

Step 4

Rotate the blades by hand and check to see if they bang or rub against anything as they move. If so make adjustments. You may need to bend them back in place or trim them with a knife if you can’t

Step 5

Reassemble and reinstall your air conditioner

Window AC Clicking Due to Dirty Filter – The Fix 

If your fan was covered in dirt and grime, what kind of condition was your filter in? 

A dirty filter will make your air conditioner work harder as it tries to get air through it. This increased pressure can cause parts to overheat and eventually break down. 

The extra heat that’s generated could also cause parts to expand, and things that used to have some room between them may now be clicking or clattering together. And if that’s not bad enough, it can also increase your running costs. 

Step 1

Remove the front panel from your air conditioner 

Step 2 

Remove the dirty filter

Step 3

Replace with the filter type and size specified for your unit

Window AC Clicking Due to a Loose Part – The Fix 

Your window air conditioner is made up of a lot of parts, both large and small. And if you’re in the habit of removing it and storing it over the winter, all that movement may have jarred something loose. Or something may have hit the outside section and knocked something ajar. 

Either of those situations might lead to a clicking or vibration sound. 

Step 1

Power off your air conditioner

Step 2

Remove your air conditioner from the window and place it on a stable surface

Step 3

Remove the front panel, the filter, and the cabinet

Step 4

Referring to the video in this section, check for any loose parts or parts that might be clicking against each other. Adjust if necessary

Step 5

Reassemble your air conditioner, making sure to fully tighten all screws so that the parts don’t click or clang together

Window AC Clicking Due to Debris – The Fix 

Window air conditioners pick up a lot of dirt and debris, and it settles in the bottom of the unit. You may have leaves or pebbles that are brushing against each other as the fan blows, perhaps making a clicking are rattling sound.

Step 1

Power off your air conditioner

Step 2

Remove it from the window, and settle it on a stable surface

Step 3

Remove the front panel, filter, and outer cabinet

Step 4

Using a shop vac, vacuum, or small broom, clear any debris from the bottom of the air conditioner

Step 5

Reassemble and reinstall your air conditioner

Conclusion

Diagnosing and fixing a window air conditioner that is clicking could be simple — even without any tools you may be able to stop the clicking in just a few minutes. However, it may also be something more complex.

And the clicking may be a perfectly normal function of your air conditioner’s compressor.

To reiterate, here are the things you want to check.

• Using a multimeter, check to make sure the compressor is working properly
• Ensure that the fan isn’t loose and that no fan blades are bent, damaged, or rubbing against something
• Check for loose parts and tighten as needed
• Check and remove any loose debris that has collected at the bottom of your air conditioner

Hopefully, one of the above has helped solve your situation! While you’re here, why not take a look at some of our related articles below — perhaps there’s something else we can help you with.