AC Services You Need If You Have A Loud AC
Is your air conditioner making strange, loud noises? It might be telling you that something is wrong. Some problems can be more severe than others, but none should be ignored. If it sounds like any of the 6 noises listed below, schedule an appointment, and have a licensed AC service technician troubleshoot your loud AC as soon as possible.
1. Buzzing
A loud buzz coming from your HVAC suggests an electrical or mechanical issue. Mechanical faults include a malfunctioning compressor or condenser fan motor, damaged isolation feet and small loose parts.
Electrical problems are the most common sources of loud buzzing sounds. It might be a fault in the wiring, relay switch or electrical current. Unattended electrical issues can lead to fires breaking out. To ensure your home’s safety, turn off your unit and schedule an appointment with a certified technician from Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric right away. We will examine your AC and make sure that we fix any electrical or mechanical problem encountered.
2. Rattling, Banging or Clanking
These noises suggest a few things. There might be debris or loose parts in your AC. It can be anything from a twig, to a fan blade or connecting rod.
Banging or clanking can point to a worn-out compressor or misaligned blower. It could be that the fan blades in your outdoor unit are no longer in balance, and are clashing with other components. You need to turn your system off and call a professional to have your air conditioner inspected.
In the case of small loose parts, our technician will remove the obstacle and tighten any other loose-fitting components. If it is a major part like a compressor or blower, it will be repaired or replaced. The technician will check for added damage caused by the component and fix it accordingly.
3. Hissing
Hissing sounds suggest escaping air or gases. It could be the duct work, but they are usually a sign of leaking refrigerants. In that case, the hissing can also be accompanied by bubbling noises.
The refrigerant is the fluid responsible for converting air from warm to cool. It runs in a tiny tube throughout your air conditioner, and should not interact with the air you breathe.
Besides preventing your AC from running properly, leaking refrigerants can be harmful to humans and the environment. They are classified as toxic chemicals and should only be handled by certified technicians.
Depending on the situation, we will either repair the leak or replace your air conditioner.
4. Screaming
A high-pitched screaming noise from your outside unit is a sign that your compressor is in trouble. It can resemble the sound of a screaming child. The noise might be caused by a build-up of internal pressure.
Ignoring it can lead to your entire system stopping. In the worst-case scenario, it might cause the refrigerant to come out forcefully, therefore threatening your safety.
You need to power your system off. To ensure safety and a job well done, get one of our licensed professionals to inspect your compressor. They will determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
5. Squealing or Screeching
A squealing or screeching sound means that there is an issue with the belt or the motor bearings in the compressor.
Most modern air conditioners use direct-drive motors. If you have an older model that runs on a belt-driven motor, the squealing probably comes from the belt. A faulty belt will create a squealing sound on the inside and outside of your home. The solution is to call us and get the belt replaced.
If your HVAC uses a direct-drive motor, the issue is likely with the bearings inside the motor. They start to make a high-pitched squeal as they begin to wear out. The sound should come from your external unit. To prevent further damage to your compressor, you may need to get the motor replaced.
6. Gurgling
A loud gurgling or bubbling noise can be a sign of a clogged drain pipe or malfunctioning condensate pump.
When a condensate pump starts to fail, it can lead to excess water building up. It creates the noise as it tries to get rid of the water. You will need to install a new condensate pump, or risk exposing your floor to water damage.
If your air handler drains with gravity, instead of a condensate pump, the gurgling suggests a clogged drain pipe. To avoid sewer gases rising into your AC system, it is better to call one of our licensed HVAC technicians to drain it, than to attempt it yourself.
Repair Your Noisy AC Today
Loud noises are usually the first sign that something is wrong with your HVAC. Do not ignore them. Call Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric at 1-800-475-1504 right away, and schedule an appointment with one of our certified technicians. We will examine the problem and promptly get your system back in order.
You can trust Art to fix it. We have been offering Floridians prompt and reliable services since 1983.
