For many people, their HVAC set up is best described as out of sight, out of mind. They really do not pay any attention to it unless something is wrong and needs fixing. Anyone who has ever had an air conditioner has had to question at some point what kind of noises it was making and why it was so loud.Some of those noises are just the AC working, but what about when those noises suddenly get louder or there are unexpected sounds altogether? And while trying to diagnose the cause of that sound may be difficult, there are some things to consider about the sound that can help determine the cause. Not all sounds are created equal, and it is definitely not easy to diagnose what those noises mean through a few paragraphs, but we wanted to give it a shot anyway. Following these steps might help you make some sense of the noises you are hearing and the best path of action forward.
As much as we can hope, our air conditioners are not silent machines. They’re incredibly complex and complicated, but in spite of how far they’ve advanced over the decades they still make some sound. Being able to distinguish between “normal” and “concerning” noises can be a major benefit. When your air conditioner starts up, that is an important window of time to hear of potential problems. If there is an unordinary loud pounding sound that your AC is making during that time, it could indicate some issues. Most likely, there could be some kind of debris within the unit itself that is causing the sound. If there is no debris, there could be a loose fan that is colliding against the cage.
If you listen and know what you're listening for, your air conditioner can tell you a lot about how it is doing. Some noises are distinct and each has a different factor as to what is causing your AC to make that particular sound. For instance, a high-pitched squealing noise can be made when the internal pressure is higher than intended. A hissing noise is usually due to refrigerant leaks. Leaks can happen for many different reasons but can be inspected to see if and where the leak is occurring. One of the most common questions we receive is about a buzzing noise from the air conditioner. This usually points to an issue with an electrical component like the condenser motor, wires, or the relay switch. Be extremely careful with the electrical components or better yet call a professional. Loud poundings or banging usually mean some part of a piece has gotten dislodged and is bouncing around inside the HVAC unit.
The best way to prevent a noisy HVAC system is regular maintenance. With regular maintenance every year or so, an HVAC technician will inspect your entire HVAC system. They will be able to spot minor problems such as a loose bearing, a bad belt, or a small refrigerant leak. By catching those issues while they’re small and easy to fix, you’ll save money on large-scale repairs later. You can also avoid a potential emergency such as a house fire or carbon monoxide leak.
Your HVAC system is a complicated piece of machinery that offers incredible comfort for your home. It is in your best interest to keep your air conditioner in top shape, especially in the hot summer season. Air Pure Inc offers top quality HVAC maintenance to help you with those little problems before they become the big problems. No matter your question or your problem our experienced team will be able to assist you.
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