Why is my new window AC making this awful noise?

[dbbaaker89]

I bought a GE 5000BTU window AC two days ago. https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-150-sq-ft-Window-Air-Conditioner-115-Volt-5000-BTU/1001307542

The first night, it ran like a charm with no noise.

The second night, it sounds like the inner fan is juggling around bits of sand and it's extremely annoying.

How can I fix this?

I've attempted to attach a video of the noise but the site says my file doesn't have an allowed extension.

 

[Steltek]

Are you sure you removed all the packing materials and that a piece of foam or packing tape didn't get into the fan?

If so, it is probably a defective fan or bearing. Given that you just bought it two days ago, I'd suggest returning it as defective for a swap rather than trying to fix it.

Unfortunately, most small, low end window AC units are junk appliances and are manufactured as such. I was looking at a 5000 BTU Arctic King unit the other day at Walmart for my brother's porch and it weighs at least 10-15lbs less than the older AC unit it would be replacing (which itself wasn't a very good one 5 years ago).

 

[ondma]

You have a window AC in your car?

Seriously, could be a defective fan, or could just be a piece of debris or packing material that is being thrown around.

 

[DooKey]

Could it be that the fan is picking up condensate? If the drain is plugged or your unit isn't tilted towards the back a little bit it might be that.

 

[ondma]

Could it be that the fan is picking up condensate? If the drain is plugged or your unit isn't tilted towards the back a little bit it might be that.

Yea, good call, especially the part about it needing to tip backwards to drain.

 

[EXCellR8]

yea my AC does this too from time to time... but only when it's not in cooling mode. I'll admit I don't really know what causes it but I do know the sound

mine's a 6yr old Fridgidaire but i works great so I never paid it much attn