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Snowflake Aircon Services

Aircon unit vibrating

Vibration complaints often get described as noise, but the pattern is different. Vibration is about movement or force transfer, not only sound level.

Common causes

A symptom is just a starting point. The same problem could be a quick fix or a major failure. The paths below show the most common causes, but only a proper check can prove what is really wrong.

01

Mounting or support vibration transfer

Book a check

The unit may be operating normally, but loose support points or contact points transfer vibration into the wall, bracket, or trunking.

  • Vibration is felt through the wall or casing more than heard as a sharp noise.
  • The vibration pattern is strongest at certain speeds or load levels.
  • Cooling may still be normal while the vibration complaint grows.

The Fix: We trace where the vibration is generated and where it is being transferred before naming a major fault.

Watch out: Many vibration complaints get misread as compressor failure too early.

02

Fan imbalance or moving part vibration

Book a check

A fan or moving part can create repeating vibration when it is dirty, imbalanced, worn, or obstructed.

  • Vibration changes with airflow or speed behavior.
  • A repeating hum or buzz pattern follows the fan cycle.
  • The complaint may feel stronger after startup and then vary during the run.

The Fix: We compare the vibration pattern with fan behavior before deciding whether the fault is mechanical or support related.

Watch out: Treating this as a mounting issue only can miss the moving part that is causing the vibration.

03

High vibration linked to unstable operation

Message now

Strong or worsening vibration with erratic cooling, restart behavior, or electrical signs can point to a deeper fault path.

  • Vibration becomes much stronger with restart attempts or unstable running.
  • Cooling behavior and sound pattern change at the same time.
  • Electrical signs or breaker issues appear with the vibration complaint.

The Fix: Stop normal use and let us assess the operating pattern and vibration source together.

Watch out: Running the unit while vibration is escalating can increase wear and widen the fault path.

Not Always A Fault - building surfaces can amplify normal vibration

Some installation surfaces and contact points amplify vibration that would otherwise feel minor. The unit may sound worse in one room or one wall surface without a major fault.

How to tell

  • Cooling behavior is stable and the vibration pattern is consistent, not escalating.
  • The complaint feels stronger at a contact point than at the unit body itself.
  • No burning smell, flashing error, or unstable restart pattern is present.

If the vibration pattern is growing or linked to cooling instability, move to diagnosis instead of treating it as a surface issue only.

What To Note Before You Contact Us

Observe where the vibration is felt and what changes it:

  • Whether the vibration is strongest at the indoor unit, outdoor side, wall, or trunking.
  • Whether cooling stays normal while the vibration happens.
  • Whether the pattern changes after startup, during steady run, or during restart.
  • Whether the vibration changes with airflow setting or operating mode.

Location and timing help us narrow whether the issue is support transfer, moving parts, or a deeper operating fault.

Stop Using The Unit If You Notice These

Stop use if vibration appears with strong safety or electrical warning signs.

  • Burning smell or electrical smell
  • Heavy metal noise or violent shaking
  • Breaker trips during vibration events

Common questions

Same situation with your aircon?

Describe what's happening. We'll work out the likely cause before recommending anything.

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