Modern-day air conditioners are not loud anymore. They may not exactly be silent, but other than a gentle hum; you would hardly ever hear another sound coming from it. If, however, you do, it may be alarming and may indicate towards the beginning of some problem. Hence, it is best not to ignore and weird noise emanating from the AC.
Reasons For The Noise
Your air conditioner is but a machinery that consists of many components. With time and constant use, they become loose, fall apart, or develops holes and cracks. These deterioration are the primary cause of air conditioner noises. Most of these sounds can be dealt with during periodic maintenance, but for others, you may need technical repairs. These repairs are best carried out by trained and competent HVAC technicians.
Types Of Air Conditioner Noises And Their Probable Causes
Here is the list of some of the most common sounds that your air conditioner might make along with their probable cause. This information will help narrow down the problem area. We would strictly advise that you only allow a trained professional to corroborate the problem and rectify it as soon as possible.
1. Hissing – Your air conditioner would make a hissing sound when there is a leak of some sort. It could either be a compressor issue, damage to the refrigerant, or the coolant line an internally leaking valve.
2. Banging – If there is a loose, broken, or a hanging part in your air conditioner, it will make a banging noise. Another reason could be that the indoor blower is not correctly aligned. The sound will usually be periodic and constant in nature.
3. Clicking – At start-up and shut down, if you hear clicking sounds, that’s pretty normal. However, if they continue thereafter as well, you have an issue on hand. A defective control, as well as a failing thermostat, will ideally make such noise. Again, this is something that only a trained technician can check and tell.
4. Squealing – Usually, the squealing sound comes from the AC when parts that rub against each other. In some cases, when the fan motor and the blower motor are going bad, you will hear the same sound.
5. Sparking – The sound of sparking is very distinctive. Typically, it is a low-intensity chattering sound that may be accompanied by visible sparks or smoke. Its cause could be overheated parts or loose wires rubbing each other. Sparking should never be taken lightly as it can lead to short-circuits and, in extreme cases, fires.
6. Crackling – An old and aging unit produces crackling noise. These sounds can be heard inside the house when your ductwork is old. If your unit is not old, the reason for the noise could be debris accumulated in the outdoor unit. Such sounds will only be heard when you are outdoors.
7. Groaning – A loud groaning noise whenever the compressor kicks in is indicative of issues with the compressor unit. It could also arise due to a faulty damper. Only an HVAC technician will be able to tell you the exact reason.
Can I Keep My AC Running Even With The Strange Sounds?
Aztil AC recommends that any strange sound coming from your air conditioner should not be taken lightly. At such a time, switch it off and call your local HVAC technician. Not all sounds mean a big problem. But it is always better to err on the side of caution rather than be remorseful later as you cannot determine its true cause. If you still decide to run your air conditioner, you are doing so at your own risk.
What To Do When You Hear Air Conditioner Noises?
Most often, you would want to keep running your AC even when it is making weird noises, especially during the peak of summers. Wanting to do so does not mean that you actually should.
The first thing you should do when you hear any strange noise coming from your AC is to switch it off. Doing so will ensure that the problem does not aggravate. Second, call your HVAC company to send a technician to look into the cause of the issue. Third, once the problem is pinpointed, ask them to make the necessary repairs so that your unit once again starts functioning normally.
Are All Noises An Indication Of Biggers Problems To Come?
No, all air conditioner noises do not mean that your unit is failing. Mostly it will be a lack of periodic maintenance that will be the cause of the strange sounds. So, a regular tune-up of your AC will keep most of them at bay. As a part of maintenance, the loose parts will be tightened, the rubbing components greased or oiled, and all dirt and debris cleaned. Should the reason for the noise be one of these, it will be automatically handled.
If the sound persists in spite of the tune-up, it could be due to a failing component in an aging AC. This is normal, and you can see to the replacement or repair of the faulty component to extend the life of your system. When these problems are ignored and left unattended, they morph into bigger issues. It increases the cost of repairs and, in most unfavorable cases, even results in the system shutting down.
Tips To Reduce Noise Levels
1. See to it that your air conditioner gets annual maintenance from trained technicians.
2. Your unit may have been incorrectly installed in a place where the sound reverberates and seems long drawn out or loud. Hence, ask for a professional opinion.
3. If needed, you can install sound dampers. It is especially helpful in old buildings where the sound echoes and also in air conditioners that are old.
Aztil AC For All Your Air Conditioner Needs
Aztil AC consists of a team of professionals who are dedicated to looking after all your air conditioner needs. In addition to regular tune-up and maintenance, we also install and repair ACs. If you need any such assistance with your air conditioner or HVAC, you can contact us at 888-729-8452.
