Common Reasons Behind Weird Air Conditioner Noises Explained
Modern air conditioning systems employ sound-dampening technology and two-stage compressors to reduce noise levels in homes and commercial buildings. Take notice if you start hearing strange or loud sounds emanating from your air conditioner. Ignoring these strange sounds may allow small issues to escalate, resulting in substantial and costly repairs down the road.
Here are some of the noises your air conditioner might make and what they represent.
Humming Noises
The most common noise you’ll hear coming from your AC unit is a humming noise. It’s usually a gentle, low-pitched noise that sounds a lot like the sound a refrigerator makes. If your AC unit is making a humming noise, then this is a good sign. It simply means that your unit is operational, and everything is working as it should be.
If the noise is a little more concerning, it may be an indication that your compressor is going bad. The compressor is an important component of your AC unit and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant within the system. If the compressor is going bad, then you can expect your AC unit to perform less efficiently and will likely break down sooner than it should.
Banging Noises
If you hear a banging noise from your AC unit, this is a cause for concern. Banging noises are usually an indication that your AC unit’s compressor is failing. The compressor is the component that circulates the refrigerant within the system. It’s a vital component of the AC unit; when it fails, the entire AC unit is much less efficient. In some cases, the AC unit may even break down entirely.
Squealing Noises
Squealing noises coming from your AC unit are also cause for concern. Squealing noises are often the first sign that your AC unit’s compressor is beginning to fail. If you notice any squealing noises coming from your AC unit, then you should contact a professional AC repair company right away.
Rattling Noises
Rattling noises coming from your AC unit can be very worrisome. It usually means that there is a problem with your AC unit’s compressor. The compressor is the component that circulates the refrigerant within the system. It’s a vital component of the AC unit; when it fails, the entire AC unit is much less efficient. In some cases, the AC unit may even break down entirely. If you notice any rattling noises coming from your AC unit, then you should contact a professional AC repair company right away.
Bubbling or Hissing Noises
If your air conditioner starts making a hissing noise, it could be due to a leak in the compressor valve. This should be fixed by a technician as soon as possible.
If the hissing noise is coming from something other than the internal valve, it may be the compressor. If the compressor is the source of the noise, it may start as a light hissing noise caused by high-pressure build-up inside the compressor. If left unchecked, this can turn into a screeching noise. If the hissing noise is accompanied by bubbling sounds, this may be an indication of leaking refrigerant lines. This can happen when the refrigerant is under too much pressure. If you think this may be the problem, it’s best to bring in a professional to confirm and resolve the issue.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why your air conditioner may be making noise. The most common reason is that the unit is simply getting old, and the parts are starting to wear out. Another possibility is that the unit is not properly maintained and the coils are dirty, or the fan is not properly aligned. If you suspect that your air conditioner is making noise because it is not properly maintained, you should contact a qualified technician to have the unit serviced.
Are you in need of HVAC service in Athens, GA? Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing’s first priority is our customers. Our goal, each and every time, is to provide quality, experienced service by technicians highly trained in their field. We hire only the best NATE-certified technicians so customers can know immediately they have a knowledgeable expert helping their heating and cooling needs.
