Why is my AC making a weird noise, and what should I do about it? Don’t ignore a new noise that your air conditioner is making because it could be a clue to an operational problem. Tracking down the source of the noise may require the assistance of professionals offering AC repair in Tallahassee, FL.
Identifying harmful AC noises is part of your job as a homeowner. You can then turn to cooling system technicians to diagnose the AC unit’s sound problems. Learn more about the sounds that you should pay attention to in your air conditioner.
1. Whistling Noises Indicate Issues With Airflow
If you hear a whistling noise, the strange AC sounds diagnosis starts with checking the system’s airflow. When the system creates a whistling noise, air is not moving freely through the ducts. The compressed space available to the air generates a whistle as it moves.
This is a common noise originating from a clogged air filter. Homeowners should change their air filters at least every three months to encourage the free flow of air.
If the filter is clean, you may hear a whistling noise due to partially blocked air vents or damage to the air ducts. A professional can inspect the air ducts for cracks or loose seams where air is escaping and generating the whistling noise.
2. Buzzing Sounds Relate to Electrical Problems
Why is my AC making a weird noise like buzzing? Most buzzing sounds from an air conditioning unit come from an electrical problem in the system. Loose wiring or a failing capacitor will generate electrical-related buzzing sounds.
As a homeowner, you should not attempt to correct electrical problems yourself. You’ll risk suffering an electrical shock if you touch live wiring or a component that has electricity passing through it.
AC repair professionals can fix most electrical issues with the cooling system. Occasionally, depending on the source of the buzzing noise, you might need to contact an electrician.
3. Hissing Noises Could Be a Clue of a Refrigerant Leak
Among the most unusual air conditioner noises you should not ignore is a hissing sound. A hissing sound often relates to a refrigerant leak in the coils. Loose seams or holes in the metal on the condenser or evaporator coils could allow refrigerant to escape the system.
If you hear a hissing sound that you believe could be a refrigerant leak, shut down the system immediately and call for repair assistance. When the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it cannot cool the home as efficiently, leading to higher power bills. You’ll also place more stress on the air conditioner, which could lead to frequent repairs.
Federal regulations require that a licensed air conditioning technician add more refrigerant to the cooling system. Homeowners cannot do this task themselves.
4. Rattling Sounds Usually Come From Loose Parts
Why is my AC making a weird noise that sounds like rattling? Often, this problem is related to loose parts within the system.
You might have loose screws or other fasteners in the ducts or on the indoor cooling unit. As air moves across these loose parts, it causes them to vibrate, producing a rattling noise.
Homeowners can inspect the easily accessible parts of the system for loose screws and safely tighten them. However, if the loose screws are in a remote location, you’ll need the help of an air conditioning service technician to find and tighten the screws.
5. Humming Sounds Appear After the Fan Motor or Compressor Begins to Fail
Humming noises frequently indicate a serious problem with the cooling system. You might have a fan motor or compressor that stopped working.
If the humming noise is related to the fan, the fan may have a bent blade or a fan motor that’s beginning to wear out. A repair technician will need to try to fix or replace the fan.
A compressor that’s failing might generate a humming noise, too. The malfunctioning compressor may be experiencing high levels of pressure, which can lead to a distinctive hum. Again, a repair technician would need to inspect the system and determine whether the compressor is repairable or needs replacement.
6. Squealing and Banging Noises May Originate From a Damaged Compressor
Why is my AC making a weird noise that sounds like squealing or high-pitched whining? Frequently, squealing sounds occur because of a serious problem with the system. Such issues could relate to items including:
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Bearings that need lubrication
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Loose belts
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Damaged motor
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Damaged compressor
All these problems require the expertise of a cooling system technician who can identify the source of the issue and resolve it. If you have a damaged or failing compressor, for example, it may not be able to circulate refrigerant properly, resulting in poor energy efficiency. If the banging noises come from a failing compressor, you’ll probably need to replace it.
7. Clicking Sounds Start Because of Thermostat or Electrical Relay Issues
Most air conditioners click as they turn on and off. However, clicking noises during the normal cooling cycle might indicate a problem with the electrical components inside the cooling system. The thermostat may also make a clicking noise if it’s experiencing electrical problems.
8. Grinding Noises Start in Areas That Need Lubrication
A system that’s generating a grinding noise probably needs lubrication. Most air conditioning technicians will add lubrication and perform similar techniques during an annual maintenance visit. However, if you notice the grinding noise before or after the annual maintenance work, call a repair technician for additional help.
Let Cooper’s Plumbing & Air Fix the Underlying Issue That’s Causing Strange AC Noises
Why is my AC making a weird noise, and who should I call to fix it? At Cooper’s Plumbing & Air, our technicians specialize in delivering repairs you can trust. We’ll track down the source of the noise and determine the best way to alleviate it.
When you have AC issues, we offer HVAC noise troubleshooting at a competitive price. To set up an appointment, call Cooper’s Plumbing & Air today at (866) 464-7132.