Air conditioners don’t stay in like-new condition forever. Eventually, many systems develop problems. Some of these may be minor, while others could threaten your entire HVAC system. One of the telltale signs of such an issue is weird sounds. Understanding these unusual sounds can be key to detecting air conditioning problems.
Examples of Unusual AC Sounds
There are, in fact, many different odd and unusual sounds you may hear from your air conditioner at different times. These may indicate different problems based on the sound you’re hearing. Examples include:
- Banging
- Bubbling
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Grinding
- Gurgling
- Rattling
- Screeching
- Whistling
Listen to the sounds your air conditioner is making. There may be subtle differences. The difference between banging and rattling, for example, may be subtle, but it can certainly indicate a different kind of problem in your HVAC system.
Sources of Unusual AC Sounds
Once you have identified the kind of strange air conditioner sound you are hearing, it should be much easier to identify the source of the problem. While there can be many sources, many similar sounds usually indicate a specific issue.
Loud banging, for example, usually means components in the compressor have broken and need to be replaced. Hissing or whistling, on the other hand, is usually a sign that the refrigerant is leaking, or the system has too much pressure. Screeching usually signals a failing fan motor or belt. Lastly, grinding is caused by metal parts within the air conditioner scraping by each other. This indicates damage in certain components that you should ask an HVAC professional to examine.
Fixing the Problems
Overall, there is no unusual sound you should ignore when it comes to your air conditioner. All of them indicate issues that the homeowner needs to address. A well-functioning system should not be making any abnormal sound. Weird sounds indicate issues that could result in your system losing efficiency and functionality. You could lose money, and your home could remain hot even with the AC on. In other cases, a poorly operating system could pose other dangers to your home that are more serious, such as the risk of fire.
While homeowners can perform certain maintenance tasks, technical repairs to an air conditioner and the rest of a home comfort system require an HVAC professional. In most cases, the technician can address these issues in one visit. However, in certain cases, the wear and tear to your system may be so significant that replacing the air conditioner may be the best choice.
If your air conditioner is noisy and nonfunctional, don’t wait to get to the source of the problem. To replace your air conditioner in Abilene, TX or the surrounding area, hire our company, Olympus Electric & Air, for the job. We have over 15 years of experience serving the community and possess the skills and knowledge to pinpoint and remedy any serious issue with an air conditioner.