Strange Air Conditioner Noises & What They Mean
It’s perfectly normal for your air conditioner to make some noise, such as a gentle hum or an occasional click when cycling on and off, as it works to cool your home. However, there are certain sounds no well-functioning, efficient air conditioner should ever produce. Unusual sounds, such as banging, buzzing, screeching, and hissing, often indicate that something’s wrong with your air conditioning system. Paying attention to these noises and treating them as warning signs can help prevent expensive repairs and sudden system breakdowns. Below, Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning outlines what these noises mean and what you can do to address them!
Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated HVAC company in Palm Coast, FL, offering premium service at a reasonable price. Contact us today to schedule service!
AC Screeching: Fan Motor Or Compression Issues
A high-pitched screeching or squealing noise coming from your air conditioner is hard to miss and, often, incredibly obnoxious. Generally, this sound means that there’s a problem with either the fan motor or the compression mechanism in your unit. If the high-pitched screeching noise stops shortly after your air conditioner starts running, then that typically means there’s an issue with the compression mechanism. However, if the noise continues as the air conditioner is running, then the fan motor is likely to blame. In either case, the best course of action is to turn your air conditioning system off and reach out to a professional HVAC technician for repairs or a replacement.
AC Buzzing: A Sign Of Electrical Problems
One of the most worrisome noises you could hear from your air conditioner is a loud buzzing sound, as this could be an indication of electrical problems. This noise could stem from loose wiring, faulty capacitors, or a malfunctioning relay switch. Electrical problems don’t just cause annoying noises — they’re dangerous, with the potential to cause severe damage to your system or even start a fire. In some cases, debris in your outdoor AC unit could cause a buzzing noise, as it can interfere with the fan’s movement. However, given the potential dangers of electrical issues, it’s best to immediately schedule a professional HVAC inspection whenever you hear buzzing.
AC Banging: The Sound Of Something Loose In Your Unit
You can think of loud banging or thumping noises as your air conditioner’s way of saying, “Hey! Something’s broken in here!” Typically, banging noises indicate loose, damaged, or broken parts within your unit, such as unsecured fan blades, worn compressor components, or improperly installed parts. This noise could also indicate a failing compressor, which is a problem that could render your air conditioner inoperable if not addressed promptly. If you ever hear banging noises coming from your air conditioner, do not ignore it! Contact an experienced AC repairman as quickly as possible to get it fixed before your system suffers any further damage.
AC Hissing: An Indication Of Refrigerant Leaks
A soft hissing sound coming from your air conditioner can be easy to miss and may even seem harmless, but it often indicates serious problems, such as refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant is essential to the operation of your air conditioning system as it’s the liquid your AC uses to cool your home. A refrigerant leak not only makes it harder for your air conditioner to cool your home, impacting energy efficiency and raising your utility bill, but it can also pose serious risks to the health of the environment and your family. If you hear hissing coming from your air conditioner, you should contact a professional to locate and repair the source of the leak.
Get Some Peace & Quiet With AC Repair Services From Sea Breeze!
Unusual noises from your air conditioner aren’t just annoying — they’re your system’s way of alerting you to potential problems. At Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all kinds of AC issues. Whether your air conditioner needs a quick fix, preventive maintenance, or a complete replacement, our experienced HVAC technicians are here to provide prompt and professional service! Don’t let a noisy air conditioner ruin your comfort — contact Sea Breeze Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule AC repair services in Palm Coast!