Once you start hearing strange noises from your AC, it’s an indication that something is wrong with the compressor. This feature is designed to transport refrigerant to various parts of the HVAC system, eliminating excess heat from your home. As the AC unit reaches near the end of its lifespan, it’s very common for the compressor parts to become loose.
Once the parts become loose, you will start hearing a rattling noise when you turn on the system. This sound can be caused by detached components that strike the exterior frame of the compressor.
Since the compressor is not designed to be disassembled, you may need to replace the entire system. This article will explore different sounds and their corresponding needs, as well as when to call a local HVAC technician.
Click here to learn about six signs that indicate the need for AC repair.
Screeching Sounds
This is one of the common sounds your AC might produce. If this happens, the issue might be with the fan motor in the outdoor condenser unit. ACs typically contain a fan designed to remove heat from the refrigerant.
If your system is making this kind of noise, it means the fan motor is spoiled. A motor in the compressor of the condenser system usually causes it. This sound can also be due to a damaged blower fan motor inside your home. The work of the blower fan is to collect warm air from each home in the vicinity of the house.
Once you turn on the blower fan, the hot, humid air around your home will be collected by the return ducts and sent to the air conditioning system. Cold air from the system will then be distributed throughout the house by the blower fan.
Another reason your air conditioning system will produce a screeching sound may be due to damaged bearings in the fan motor. Additionally, an impaired fan belt might be the culprit.
Immediately your AC starts producing unusual sounds, turn it off and seek help from a professional HVAC technician.
Humming Noises
Your AC may start producing a loud humming noise, which usually happens when there is a defective contactor relay switch. This is an essential component designed to turn on the outdoor condenser unit after receiving a signal from your thermostat.
You can’t switch on your air conditioner when this problem happens unless it’s inspected and fixed by a licensed technician.
Never ignore an electrical issue in the air conditioner system because it can lead to severe damage to the system that will eventually come with expensive repairs, and sometimes you will have no choice but to just change the entire unit.
Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing is another sound that should never be ignored when heard from an AC unit. The sound is a signal that there are loose or unbalanced fan blades in the outdoor condenser unit. The sound can also be due to a faulty outdoor fan motor, dirty condenser coils or loose components.
The buzzing sound may be a sign of an obstruction near the copper lines connected to the AC unit. Another culprit for this problem may be a refrigerant leak. Once you start hearing this sound, do not ignore it, as it may prevent you from enjoying cool air during the summer. Contact a professional AC repair service to perform a tune-up.
Rattling Noises
In some situations, your air conditioner unit may produce a rattling sound due to loose debris, such as sticks, dirt, or leaves, in the outdoor condenser unit. The simplest way to fix this problem is to disassemble the unit and remove the item.
In worst cases, the sound may be due to an electrical contractor damaging the system. If you notice a malfunctioning contractor, try to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent it from damaging the compressor of the central air conditioner.
Visit https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/ac-unit-not-blowing-cold-air-its-time-to-change-your-filter/ to learn more about how to change an AC filter.
Clicking Sounds
Although it might be normal to hear a clicking noise at the beginning or end of the cooling cycles, it’s uncommon to hear it constantly coming out of the air conditioner.
Once you hear this sound continuously, it may be a sign that the thermostat has malfunctioned. Keep in mind that removing and installing a new thermostat is not a do-it-yourself job; therefore, consider contacting a licensed contractor you know to get the job done.
Hissing Noises
If your AC is making a hissing noise, this might be an indicator of a moderate or severe air duct leak in your home. The sound may be produced due to a malfunctioning expansion valve or an incompatible air filter with the system. In this case, contact a professional repairer as soon as possible to inspect the system.
Bubbling Sounds
When there is excess moisture in the AC unit, it may start making some bubbling noises. This kind of problem might be due to a blockage, a crack or a hole in the drainage pipe.
If you are a handy person, you can handle the situation by disassembling the system and inspecting the drainage line. If it’s not something you can handle, then it’s recommended you don’t try fixing the draining line on your own and contact an experienced air conditioning repair San Diego like Reliable Standard Heating & Air to check the problem. To restore the bubbling sound in the air conditioner, you will need special tools, equipment, skills and training. Contact a certified technician to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Conclusion
Strange noises coming from your unit may be of different types, and each has a specific indication that suggests there is something wrong with the unit.
However, there are certain noises, such as a clicking sound, that typically occur at the beginning and end of the cooling cycle. This type of noise can only be considered a problem when it happens continuously.
When your AC starts producing unusual noise, contact a certified technician to diagnose and solve the problem.
