Air conditioners are notorious for producing weird noises when something is going wrong with them. Whatever sound your AC is making, don’t hesitate to have an HVAC professional take a look at your system. Here’s what those clicks and rattles and screams might mean.
The AC Clicks
Hearing a clicking sound when you first turn on your air conditioner is normal, but if it keeps on clicking, there might be trouble with the capacitor. This is the device that starts the A/C’s motor. If the capacitor breaks down, the motor can’t turn on. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an HVAC professional look at your AC’s capacitor when you first notice this problem. Clicking can also be a sign that the thermostat isn’t working the way it should.
It Screeches
If your air conditioner screeches, the problem may be with the compressor or fan. If the screeches continue after you turn on the AC, the trouble is probably with the motor’s fan. If it stops screeching after the AC has been running for a bit, the problem probably lies with the compressor. The compressor is the mechanism that compresses the refrigerant into a gas.
You may also hear a screeching sound if the blower fan is damaged. This is the fan that pulls warm air through the AC’s heat exchanger and blows it into the room when it’s cooled. Again, the earlier the problem is dealt with, the easier and less costly it is for the HVAC professional to fix.
It Makes Banging Noises
Another noise that suggests a problem with the compressor is banging. As the AC ages, parts of the compressor can become loose and start to bang around inside of it.
It Buzzes
A buzzing sound from a central air conditioner may be the sign that the fan blades have come loose in your outdoor condenser. The sounds may also be signs of other loose parts or condenser coils that haven’t been cleaned in a while.
It Rattles
Rattling is a sign that there’s debris in the outdoor condenser. That’s why hosing out the condenser is an important part of your central air conditioner’s spring maintenance.
It Hisses
Hissing may be caused by air leaking from the ducts. It can also indicate that the wrong size air filter was installed or that refrigerant is leaking. Refrigerant is dangerous to handle, so you need to call a professional for help as soon as possible.
Worried About Noises From Your AC? Call Us
Weird noises from your air conditioner need to be evaluated quickly. Early diagnosis and repair saves you money and may save your air conditioner, too. For professional air conditioner service, get in touch with our HVAC technicians at Olympus Electric & Air in Abilene, TX.