Considering the fact that your air conditioner runs for many hours throughout the day in the summertime, it’s not unlikely for it to experience some malfunctions from time to time. Many of these malfunctions can be easily identifiable by the type of noise that they make. By understanding the different types of noises that your air conditioner can make, you can quickly identify the source of the problem. This quick guide is brought to you by Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating in San Antonio.
Banging Noise
If you notice a banging noise whenever your air conditioning system is running, it’s an indication that there’s something broken or loose. It’s best to completely shut off your system and try to identify the broken part. In most cases, the broken part will be inside the air conditioner compressor. If you’re not overly familiar with your air conditioning system, it’s best to contact an air conditioning professional to identify the problem and fix it.
Clicking Noise
Another common sound that your air conditioning system may make is that of a clicking sound. It’s completely normal for your air conditioning system to make a clicking noise whenever the thermostat is turning on or off. However, if you notice a consistent clicking noise while your system is running, it’s an indication that there’s a problem.
In most cases, the problem is going to be an issue with an electrical component of your system. This is a common problem when your thermostat is starting to fail. Again, due to the complexity of this issue, it’s best to call in an air-conditioned professional to handle the repairs for you.
Screeching Noise
One of the most annoying noises that you may hear from your air conditioning system is a screeching noise. This typically indicates that there’s a problem with one of your fan motors. There are fans located in both your indoor air conditioning unit and your outdoor air conditioning unit. You may have to walk around your home to identify where the source of the sound is coming from so that you know which fan is likely having an issue.
There could be a number of different problems with the fan. First, the fan blades may be bent and smacking off of the fan housing. The bearings inside the fan motor may be going bad. In addition, the fan belt may be to blame. It’s essential to look over the entire fan to identify the specific problem that is creating the screeching noise.
Humming Noise
Humming noise can have a couple of different causes. The biggest factor that will help you indicate what the problem is is whether or not your system will run. If your outdoor compressor unit will not turn on, it’s likely that you have a problem with the contactor relay switch. You’ll need to replace the part before being able to turn your air conditioner back on.
If your air conditioning unit is actively running and producing cold air, the humming sound is likely coming from a loose part. Unfortunately, there are a lot of moving parts inside your air conditioning system. This can make it difficult to identify the exact loose part that needs to be replaced or tightened. You may need to enlist the help of an air conditioning expert to remedy this issue effectively.
Hissing Noise
One of the most worrying sounds that your air conditioner can make is a hissing noise. This sounds similar to steam getting ready to come out of a kettle before it whistles. This noise is most likely caused by a leak in your refrigerant pipes. The fact that you can actually hear the hissing noise means that it’s time to call in a professional right away. You don’t want to let refrigerant leak into your home as it can be dangerous for your family.
If the hissing noise is not coming from the refrigerant piping or your coils, it could be coming from your ductwork. When you have a sizable air duct leak in your ductwork, it can create a hissing noise. In some rare cases, this noise may be a problem with a malfunctioning expansion valve or an air filter that is not the right one for your system.
Bubbling Noise
One noise that your air conditioner might make that is a little confusing is a bubbling noise. It will sound like there is someone blowing bubbles into a straw. A bubbling noise is most likely an indication that you have a blockage in your drain pipe or drain.
As your air conditioner works to cool the air, it also dehumidifies it. When the moisture is pulled out of the air, it drips off the evaporator coils and down into the drain pan. The water exits the drain pan through the drain and goes down the drainpipe. If there’s a clog in the drain or the drainpipe, the water won’t be able to completely go down. The bubbling sound you’re likely hearing is due to too much water trying to force itself down the drain or the drain pipe.
To remedy this issue, you’ll need to clear out the blockage. It’s best to turn off your air conditioning system before you start unclogging the drain or drainpipe. Typically, using a 50/50 solution of bleach and water will help to remove the gunk that is stuck in your system so that water can drain freely from now on.
Rattling
If you’ve started to notice that your air conditioning unit is developing a rattling sound that is getting louder, it’s likely that there are parts of your air conditioning system that are starting to deteriorate. As these parts start to deteriorate, they loosen up. As they do their job, they rattle back and forth because they’re too loose.
You’ll likely notice this rattling noise with components like your fan or the unit’s casing. You should take a moment and try to identify the source of the rattling noise. In most cases, you’ll be able to identify the part that is shaking because it is loose and not tight like it should be. If you can’t find the source of the noise, it’s best to turn off your system and consult an air conditioning expert to identify the problem before you make it worse by continuing to run the system.
Whirring Noise
If it’s starting to sound like there’s a helicopter inside of your home, it’s likely that there’s a mechanical issue with one of the fans of your air conditioning unit. It’s highly advisable to turn the air conditioning unit off right away before the fan causes more damage to your system.
When you experience this helicopter-like whirling noise, it usually means that your fan blades are starting to fall apart. This could be very dangerous if they do because they will go flying into other system components. If you don’t notice that the fan blades are coming off, it could be the bearings inside of the fan that is extremely loose and allowing your fan to turn out of control. It’s best to leave the repairs of this one up to the professionals.
Quality AC Repair
When you’re in need of quality air conditioner repair in San Antonio, you can rely on Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating. We provide cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and ducting services for all of our customers. Just pick up the phone and give us a call today!
