Your air conditioner is a sophisticated piece of equipment that can develop faults over its lifespan. When you hear noises coming from your cooling unit, it is usually an indication of a faulty system. There are many different types of sounds you may detect from your air conditioner. Let’s discuss some of those sounds and how you can address these issues effectively.

Buzzing Inside the Indoor Unit

When you hear buzzing, you may have loose components inside the equipment. Another possibility is that something is obstructing the path of a moving part. The fan blades can loosen, which means that the system cannot facilitate airflow into the interior. Loose fan blades can overwork your system as it tries to meet indoor cooling demands.

Buzzing could also indicate that motors inside the outdoor unit may be going out of balance. The blower could be defective, causing friction and limited movement within the unit’s compartment. There may be obstructions due to dust and debris.

If the refrigerant leaks, it can cause your unit to freeze, and at that point, you may hear noises. Depending on the leak, the sound may not be loud enough to discern. If your outdoor unit is running but the system is not cooling the interior, it is probably a refrigerant leak. For professional assistance, speak to the AC repair technicians at Eck Services in Pratt.

Hissing and Air Leak Noises

If you hear a continuous hissing sound, it could point to a fault that can adversely impact your system. Hissing usually indicates a leak of the refrigerant or a leak within an internal valve. The high pressure of the coolant escapes due to punctures of the evaporator coil. Sometimes the hissing is accompanied by bubbling sounds.

An internal valve will make the same noises if it is faulty. The valve controls the pressure of the refrigerant based on the indoor temperature. When your system is defective, it can raise energy consumption considerably.

A hissing sound may also be a sign of leaking in your ductwork. A substandard installation may develop clogs that eventually trigger leaks. Issues with the ductwork are best handled by a certified professional.

Loud Banging and Low Humming Sounds

Banging is a sign that something inside the outdoor compressor is loose. The function of the compressor is to distribute the refrigerant to the condenser and evaporator coils. It also ensures that the refrigerant turns to liquid or gas, depending on your home’s cooling requirements.

The banging is usually an indication of a piston pin or crankshaft that is coming apart. The sound could also be a sign of a blower not secured in its housing. Since blowers are hermetically sealed, a fault inside the cover would call for a replacement of the component.

You may notice that your AC is producing a low humming sound due to vibrations. Most of the time, this is harmless, and it probably won’t affect the function of your unit. However, if your system has other issues such as failing to start, this could be an electrical fault. You can consult the team from Eck Services in Pratt if you suspect your blower is defective.

Screeching and Squealing Noises

Screeching and squealing noises are high-pitched sounds that usually indicate a blower belt or motor malfunction. Older ACs that use a belt system may produce this sound when the belt slips out of its position. A certified technician can inspect the unit and determine if you’ll have to replace the belt.

If it is a newer system, the screeching noise is more likely an issue with worn-out bearings. The sound is generated when the device is trying to overcome friction. Sometimes, all the motor requires is lubrication, but if its parts are defective, you will need to replace the motor.

Clicking Noises at Start-Up

While a clicking sound when you start your AC unit is normal, you should pay attention if it persists. Continuous clicking noises are often a sign of a defective component. You can begin by checking your thermostat to ensure that the batteries aren’t dead.

Your AC has many small components that may also make clicking sounds. If the noise continues while the unit is running, an object is probably in contact with the blower fan. Other parts such as the compressor could also be the source of the noise.

Chattering and Rattling Noises

Chattering and rattling are often signs of loose connections or parts. Cables and wires that are not secured properly can damage other critical components of your AC. They may also leave your home vulnerable to electrical hazards.

In many instances, rattling can be addressed by tightening screws and bolts to secure the blower’s housing. However, the noise could be from twigs or foreign debris lodged inside the outdoor unit. You can prevent such problems by carrying out maintenance tasks and clearing away vegetation.

Gurgling or Burbling Sounds

If you hear bubbling noises, it could be a blockage in the condensate line. When the line gets flooded, water is not drained from the system properly. The water can then back up and find its way onto the evaporator coils. When that happens, it can freeze your system and its components.

If the condensate drain is not the problem, a refrigerant leak could be the issue. When refrigerant leaks, it can freeze your equipment, shutting it down in the process. Such problems are best left to professional technicians with experience. Eck Services can diagnose your AC and fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

Addressing AC Noises and Fixing Faults

When you hear noises that suggest there is a problem, start by shutting down your AC. You can troubleshoot your system by checking the thermostat settings and whether the device is functioning correctly. Check for obstructions around the outdoor unit and clear the area.

If the issue persists, you may want to consider hiring a professional to diagnose your AC and fix it. Your AC has small and intricate components that require expertise to repair safely. Even loose wires can pose a danger to you and your family.

Some components of your equipment can be fixed, while other parts may need to be replaced. Replacement parts for an aging system might be expensive and hard to find. Besides, continually throwing money into an aging system isn’t a wise investment. In such instances, certified AC technicians may propose that you get a new unit installed.

Aging systems may naturally produce more sounds than newer models. If the noise is a problem, there are several solutions to reduce it. You can install sound-muffling fencing around the outdoor assembly to manage the noise. Vegetation around the outdoor unit can also serve as a sound-dampening feature as long as you keep it pruned.

All in all, it is wise to seek professional help as soon as you notice a situation developing. If you ignore a seemingly minor problem, your AC unit can develop more complicated issues. Since defective systems are inefficient, prompt repairs can also reduce your energy consumption and electric bills.

You can depend on the competent crew from Eck Services in Pratt for quality AC repairs as well as AC maintenance and installation. We also offer reliable heating repair, installation and tune-ups. Besides HVAC assignments, our team is capable of performing a complete range of plumbing and electrical services. We also take care of septic tanks and water wells. If you want outstanding professionalism in Pratt, call Eck Services today.