Why is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?
Air conditioners are a crucial part of summers in Beaumont. The summer midday heat can be too much, which explains why residents rely on their air conditioners to get through the day. That’s all the more reason to take care of air conditioner for efficiency during the summer heat. Preventative AC maintenance can help you avoid issues like the system making loud or strange noises. Should you hear strange noises from your air conditioner, here are a few explanations.
Buzzing
Buzzing sounds coming from an air conditioner could be due to several issues within the system. The noise could be a sign of a problem with the compressor, the component that pressurizes and cools the refrigerant. A buzzing sound could even signal a malfunctioning compressor.
Another possible cause of a buzzing sound is a leaking refrigerant, causing the cooling system to freeze even during the hot months. Air conditioning units with missing or loose parts that wear out other components can also cause a buzzing noise.
Additionally, buzzing noises from an air conditioner could indicate broken or missing isolation feet. The rubber that the compressor sits on can wear out or crack over time. Therefore, the compressor produces a buzzing sound when unbalanced.
Grinding
A grinding sound from your air conditioner is never a good sign. It’s often an indication that a component is about to or is already faulty. Ensure that you turn off the system as soon as you hear a loud grinding sound to prevent damaging other parts. Schedule a repair service with an experienced and certified HVAC technician.
Whistling or Whining
Airflow problems are common causes of a whining air conditioning system. Incompatible HVAC units or ducts can also cause a whistling noise. If you had replaced several parts of the cooling system, it could be that the pieces no longer fit well together, causing the whining noise.
A whistling noise could be due to too-narrow ductwork that interferes with the air blowing through your cooling system. It could also indicate cracked ducts. Another common cause of whining sounds coming from the AC is clogged filters. Air filters get clogged when dust and debris buildup. Fortunately, you can hire a professional to easily remedy each of these scenarios.
Clanging
Foreign objects obstructing your air conditioner’s fan could be the culprits for clanging noises. Therefore, check for sticks, a rock, or other items in your outdoor condensing unit if you hear rattling noises from your AC. You can remove the foreign objects or hire an expert for the task if you’re unable to easily remove them. It would also be wise to prevent debris and other foreign items from falling into the air conditioning by keeping the area around the outdoor condensing unit clean, and discouraging kids from playing near the unit. An out-of-balance or loose AC part could also cause a clanging sound.
Screaming
You should act immediately if you hear a high-pitched screaming sound coming from your AC. The first thing to do is turn off the system and call an HVAC technician. Screaming sounds are usually a sign of high pressure in the AC compressor, which can be dangerous.
Loud Banging
Broken or loose AC components inside the air compressor could cause a loud banging sound. The sound could also be a sign that you need a new compressor or have an unbalanced indoor blower. The best thing would be to call a skilled technician to check on your AC unit, diagnose the banging sounds’ cause, and suggest a solution.
Squealing
If your air conditioning system makes a loud squealing noise, the issue could be with the bearings on the fan motor of the AC’s condenser. It could also be due to a slipped belt that connects the engine to the blower. However, most new AC units don’t have a belt system, so this problem is less common in newer units. If your AC is more contemporary, the problem could be with the condenser fan’s motor bearings. You may need to replace the motor.
Humming
A damaged fan causes your AC unit to produce hamming noises. Fortunately, you can prevent fan issues through proper maintenance to keep it clean. Humming sounds are also a sign of a potential problem with the fan motor or a bent blade.
Most of these AC noises are easy to fix. However, it’s essential to call a professional to resolve the issue instead of putting yourself and the system at risk. Our technicians have the skills and experience to fix these unusual noises. We also offer boiler services, heat pump, furnace services, indoor air quality assessments, and preventative maintenance plans. Give Reed Service Company a call today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.