As a homeowner, when your AC unit starts making weird sounds should you be concerned? The short answer is: maybe. Strange air conditioner noises can be an early warning sign for bigger issues. If ignored, those issues can lead to system breakdowns, costly air conditioner repairs and even AC replacement. Aspen Aire Heating and Cooling in Des Moines is here to explain which AC sounds are normal and which air conditioner noises homeowners shouldn’t ignore.
The Squealing/Screeching AC
Depending on the age of your air conditioner, you may hear a shrill squealing or screeching when it’s running. In older models this can be the result of a slipping belt. Newer models don’t use belts and as a result this sound can indicate a common issue usually involving a malfunctioning fan motor. If a faulty fan motor is the cause, adding lubricant may help fix the problem. In other situations you will need to contact an HVAC technician to replace faulty motor bearings. If the slipping belt is the problem, simply replacing the belt on the inside can fix the problem. In either case, we recommend contacting an HVAC company if you are unsure of any DIY fixes.
The Rattling/Banging AC
In many situations, a rattling or banging noise is the result of a loose part or debris inside your air conditioning unit. Over time, natural wear and tear will cause parts to come loose and rattle in your AC unit. The outdoor unit may have also sucked in debris like twigs, gravel, and dirt, which hit the fan blades and create a banging noise. Left unaddressed, the rattling and banging can cause serious issues like total compressor failure or outdoor condenser malfunction, both of which require extensive HVAC repairs. A trusted HVAC company can help prevent these issues in the future with routine cleaning and maintenance tune-ups. However, leave immediate fixes to HVAC technicians.
The Hissing/Bubbling AC
If you hear hissing or bubbling coming from your air conditioner, immediately shut it down and call an HVAC technician. The most common cause for an AC hissing and bubbling is a refrigerant leak. This is a serious issue because refrigerant is not only toxic to the environment but also hazardous for your health when inhaled. The refrigerant used in AC units is also corrosive and may create additional leaks and contribute to a larger issue throughout your air conditioning system. In hot Des Moines summers this situation can worsen when left unfixed and ultimately lead to AC failure.
The Clicking AC
A clicking noise is fairly common for air conditioners. Clicking at the start and end of a cooling cycle is normal. However, a constant clicking noise coming from your AC unit can indicate several more complicated issues. The sound comes from the thermostat attempting to start the air conditioner, but the capacitor is not receiving the signal. Electrical issues may stop the signal from being sent, preventing the AC from turning on. Faulty thermostats and capacitors may also cause the problem. While this is not as serious as other sounds, only professional HVAC technicians have the tools to resolve this problem. It’s best to schedule an AC tune-up in early spring to make sure your AC is ready for the cooling season in Des Moines.
Other Weird AC Sounds
Your air conditioning system is a complicated piece of hardware and it makes a lot of interesting sounds. Some other weird AC sounds homeowners might hear are grinding, buzzing or humming. Grinding may mean that a piece of metal within your cooling system is scraping against other metal components. This can cause a loss in energy efficiency and lead to total system failure. A humming or buzzing noise from your air conditioner is symptomatic of electrical issues, loose parts or a dirty air filter. Depending on the issue, a DIY solution like cleaning may help. However, you should always leave electrical issues to HVAC technicians In general, if you are ever unsure of a strange sound coming from your AC or how to fix the issue, always contact an HVAC company or technician.
Preventive Maintenance: The Best Way to Silence Your AC
One of the best ways to avoid strange AC sounds is to schedule routine maintenance. Annual AC tune-ups are perfect for reducing stress on your air conditioner and finding issues before they cause bigger problems. Some of the added benefits include improved energy efficiency, extended AC lifespan and improved air quality. Routinely cleaning and checking your HVAC system can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
The bottom line: listen to your air conditioner and don’t ignore strange noises. Keep in mind that different sounds often indicate different problems too. Most importantly, prioritize safety when approaching air conditioning repair and always contact a professional when in doubt. Still have questions? Aspen Aire Heating and Cooling is here to help. Contact us today for more information on strange AC sounds.
