When an AC unit shaking violently grabs your attention during the day or wakes you up at night, it’s an unsettling feeling. Even if the vibrations subside after a few minutes, you should not ignore this issue, as it could indicate serious operational problems. You need the help of expert technicians providing AC services in Enoch, UT.
Learn more about the most common causes of shaking and vibrations from your air conditioner’s outdoor unit.
1. Vegetation Growing Too Close
When tree branches or large weeds grow into the outdoor AC unit, they can interfere with moving parts. Eventually, these parts may shift out of alignment, leading to significant vibrations during operation.
You should create two to three feet of clearance around the outdoor system by trimming and removing any plants growing around it.
2. Loose Parts Can Cause Violent Shaking in an AC Unit
When an AC unit shaking violently is accompanied by rattling noises, you could have loose AC components inside the appliance. Loose screws and bolts can cause fan blade imbalance and similar issues for the moving parts. They can cause refrigerant line vibration and electrical malfunctions, too.
The best option is to call a repair technician for a complete inspection of the air conditioner. Repair experts can tighten loose parts to quickly alleviate the issue for a minimal service cost.
3. You Might Need a New AC Fan Motor
As the air conditioner’s fan motor begins to wear out, the fan blades may start spinning unevenly. This can lead to rattling noises and violent shaking from the fan and other nearby parts.
The only way to determine whether the fan motor is wearing out is a diagnostic test of its performance. A licensed HVAC technician can run this test and provide advice on whether repair or replacement is the proper step to take.
4. Frozen Coils Can Cause Vibrations
When you have frozen coils on your exterior air conditioning unit, ice and frost will form on the metal fins of the appliance. This icy buildup looks silly during warm outdoor temperatures, but it’s a serious issue that affects system performance and can lead to vibrations.
If you have frozen coils, you might have compressor issues that require repair. Licensed technicians can provide advice on your repair options.
Frozen coils are common air conditioner problems in Enoch, UT. With the hot, dry climate in southwestern Utah, significant dust moves through the air during windy days. Pollen can be problematic during certain times of the year in Enoch, UT.
Licensed AC technicians can clean the evaporator coils once a year as part of regular system maintenance to try to prevent frozen coils.
5. The Air Conditioner’s Base Pad Is Not Stable
If you have a newer air conditioner, an AC unit shaking violently can catch you off guard. You don’t expect a newer appliance to have significant issues that require repair.
The issue might not be with the air conditioner. Instead, you might have mounting pad damage or a poorly installed pad.
Enoch, UT, has experienced significant growth in the past few decades. Some home builders might not have properly compacted the ground under your AC pad, causing it to shift over several years. Additionally, the occasional heavy rain that Enoch, UT, experiences may cause erosion and a slight shift in your air conditioning mounting pad, which can steadily worsen.
6. Dirty Air Filters Can Cause Multiple AC Problems in Enoch, UT
You should change or clean your system’s air filter every two to three months. A dirty filter can lead to system breakdowns or noticeable vibrations and shaking.
When the system cannot easily move air through the vents due to a clogged filter, it must work harder, placing stress on its moving parts. This stress can loosen parts or cause components of the AC system to wear out prematurely, potentially leading to violent shaking.
Iron Mountain Plumbing Will Quickly Fix Your Violently Shaking AC Unit in Enoch, UT
With an AC unit shaking violently, you need expert cooling system technicians to quickly arrive and fix the issue before it leads to a major breakdown. At Iron Mountain Plumbing, we serve the entire Enoch, UT, area with inspections and repairs. Whether you live near Interstate 15, the Enoch Dog Park, or Fiddlers Canyon Trailhead, we can serve you.
We’ll inspect your shaking air conditioner and give you a detailed, upfront repair estimate. If you have severe problems in an older unit, we can discuss your options for AC repair vs. replacement as well. Contact us today for an appointment.