A constant buzzing noise echoed through the house, disturbing his peace and making itself impossible to ignore. What to do? Instead of searching endlessly or resigning himself to a life of relentless racket, David turned to Frontdoor’s Expert video chat service— and here’s how it saved the day.

How Frontdoor came to the rescue

The call

In minutes, David had a live connection with trusted HVAC Expert Gil via the Frontdoor App. David brought Gil outside so the two could look at the AC system and listen to the buzzing sound together.

With Gil’s encouragement, David identified that the noise was louder when he put his ear to the electrical panel. After turning off the power to the unit, and grabbing the right screwdriver from his garage, David was ready to unscrew the panel to get to the bottom of it.

The diagnosis

Gil guided David to check the electrical panel for loose components, and they discussed possible replacement parts. “In most cases, that buzzing happens from that black piece over here,” Gil said.

But upon turning the unit back on and further investigating the sound, David and Gil decided the noise might not be coming from the electrical panel after all. Because the noise dampened a bit when David put his weight on the top of the air conditioner, Gil suggested that a loose screw in the condenser fan motor housing might be the culprit.

The solution

Gil coached David to tighten the screws on top of the air conditioner. “Oh my god! That’s it, that fixed it,” David exclaimed. He reinstalled the electrical panel door, and it was clear the noise was resolved.

An added bonus? Gil noticed that some of the plants around the unit could use a trim, which helps prevent future debris buildup.

“You’re a miracle worker,” David said. Gil smiled and replied, “It’s us. We’re a good team.”

What’s that noise? A quick guide to common AC sounds

AC systems are supposed to hum along quietly in the background, keeping you cool and comfortable. But when your AC starts making a buzzing sound— or other unusual noises— it’s often a cry for help. Here’s a breakdown of common AC sounds, what they might mean, and quick tips for tackling them.

Buzzing


Rattling

Humming

Clicking



When to call for Expert help

Sometimes, a little DIY troubleshooting is all it takes to solve your AC problem— like in David’s case. But other times, it’s smarter (and safer) to bring in a professional.

Here’s how to know when it’s time to call an in-person Pro:

  • The noise won’t stop: If the buzzing, rattling, or clicking continues after your initial fix, there could be a deeper issue that requires professional attention.
  • You smell something strange: Electrical smells or burning odors are big red flags. These could signal overheating or wiring problems.
  • It’s not cooling properly: If your AC is running but struggling to cool your home, there could be an issue with the compressor, refrigerant, or airflow.
  • Visible damage: Bent fins, exposed wires, or leaks around the unit are all signs to call in backup.

With Frontdoor’s video chat service, you can connect with an Expert in minutes to get answers, guidance, and peace of mind— without an expensive house call.

Maintaining your AC

You may have an Expert in your back pocket when you need them, but the best AC hack is making sure to keep it in top shape. Regular maintenance can help prevent issues before they start and extend the life of your system. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the game:

Seasonal tune-ups

Scheduling a tune-up twice a year— once in the spring and again in the fall— can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Frontdoor’s HVAC video chat Experts make it easier than ever to give your system a DIY checkup. An Expert will guide you through inspecting, cleaning, and optimizing your unit via video chat.

DIY maintenance tips

Follow these essential HVAC tips to ensure the longevity of your system.

  • Keep it clean: Regularly clear debris and dirt from your outdoor unit. Trim any plants or shrubs to give it at least two feet of breathing room.
  • Change the filters: Replace your air filters every 1–3 months to keep airflow strong and your air quality fresh.
  • Check the thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is functioning properly and set to the right temperature for the season.
Weird AC sounds? Give Frontdoor Experts a buzz.

Download the Frontdoor App today to get started.

Get the app

New HVAC program

No matter how diligently you maintain your HVAC system, you might reach a day where the system simply can’t be repaired any longer. Unfortunately, getting a whole new system can be an expensive and elaborate undertaking. With Frontdoor's New HVAC Program, you can save thousands off national retail pricing on a new HVAC system.


Upgrading to a modern system can lower annual energy costs by up to 35%, improving air circulation and quality. Plus, with ever-evolving refrigeration mandates, upgrading to a new unit ensures that you’ll be compliant with new, eco-friendly refrigerant protocols.


Download the Frontdoor app today to maximize your home’s comfort and connect with Experts who can guide you through every step of your HVAC journey.

Energy savings are from blended Frontdoor markets and were obtained via a third-party cost calculator (SEER Energy Savings Calculator for Air Conditioners). Savings vary based on location, system tonnage and SEER.