Why is My Air Conditioning Unit Making Strange Noises?

Understanding the Problem

Have you noticed your air conditioner making strange noises? Strange sounds coming from your AC can be signs of many different types of issues. Understanding what is causing these noises can potentially help you prevent a minor issue turn into a major problem. In the post we are going to cover some of the reasons why your air conditioning unit might be making unusual sounds and how to address this!

Hissing

A Hissing sound could mean that there is a refrigerant leak inside the system. The sound is typically due to the fact that the refrigerant is leaking out at a rapid pace since small refrigerant leaks don’t usually have any noise at all. It is important to address these issues immediately since refrigerant can be toxic and your compressor can not work without it.

Banging or clanging

These noises often indicate a broken or loose part somewhere inside the compressor. This can be so many different things from a rod, piston, or the crankshaft. If you hear any of these noises it is crticial to completely turn off your AC and call a professional technician right away to prevent any further damage

Squealing

A squealing sound is typically caused by problems associated with the blower or fan. These issues happen overtime when operating with worn out belts, bad bearings that don’t have sufficient lubrication or a motor that is about to fail. If you are signed up to a maintenance plan, your maintenance technician will catch these items before problems worsen and it keeps your system running smoothly. 

Rattling

If you hear a rattling sound that means there is something loose inside the condensing unit. It could be as small as a loose screw to debris caught in the system. Inspecting and tightening up any loose connections will typically resolve these issues right away. It the rattling continues you may want to call a professional technician to inspect further. 

Clicking 

If you are hearing clicking noises when your AC unit is starting up that is totally normal. However, continuous noises are typically a sign of an electrical issue. The electrical issue may involve a thermostat, control board, or other consumable electronic device. Since electrical problems pose a serious risk, contact a professional technician to further diagnose and get it resolved right away. 

Buzzing

Buzzing noises might indicate many different potential issues which include dirt and debris in the unit, loose parts and components, problems with the fan motor, air filter, or condensing coil. If you are on a regular maintenance plan this would prevent any of this from happening. However, if the problem continues get it checked by a professional technician 

Call your trusted team at Fleetwell

If your AC unit is making strange noises, make sure to address it promptly to avoid further damage to the air conditioning system. At Fleetwell, our team is factory trained and certified to work on all brand units and will provide a thorough checklist of all items that were diagnosed and provide you with a solution immediately. Our vans are stocked and equipped with some of the most common parts and we can get you handled right on the spot! Our team is ready to provide you with quick and reliable service call today at (855) 295-8895 and get peace of mind again!