If you want your Altamonte Springs, Florida, home to stay comfortable, you need to keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape. Unfortunately, several issues can impact AC performance. Here are a few air conditioning sounds you should be aware of if you want to keep your system running during the cooling season.
High-Pitched Squealing
Squealing is one of the most concerning noises you may hear coming from your air conditioner. In general, a squealing sound means air pressure has built up inside of your system, particularly in your compressor coil, and is putting a strain on your air conditioner.
High pressure is not only damaging to your system, but it can also be dangerous. If you hear a squealing noise, you should immediately turn off your air conditioner and call a professional for assistance.
Rattling or Banging
When you turn your air conditioner on and hear a rattling or a banging noise, there could be several causes. It generally means that something in your system has come loose and is being blown around. If the noise is closer to a rattle, for example, one of your fan blades may have come loose.
A banging noise is usually more serious and can mean that one of the parts inside your compressor coil is loose and moving around. Banging noises coming from your air conditioner can also mean that your compressor coil is wearing out or that your blower is unbalanced.
Whether you’re hearing rattling or banging, a loose part can cause major damage to your system. Shut down your system to prevent damage and schedule a professional inspection.
Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing is a common noise you can hear coming from your air conditioner. Some causes of buzzing noises are nothing to be concerned with, while others mean you need help from a professional as soon as possible.
For instance, in many cases, a buzzing noise simply means that there are areas of your system that need cleaning. If there’s too much debris in your indoor or outdoor unit, your air filter is overdue to be changed, or your condenser coil is dirty, a buzzing sound is a likely result.
If you clean your system and the buzzing sound persists, you’re likely dealing with a much more serious issue. If the blower in your system is unbalanced or on the verge of failure, you may hear buzzing in your system, and this sound can also mean that your outdoor fan motor is going bad. Other serious issues that can cause a buzzing noise include refrigerant leaks, unbalanced fan blades, and loose parts.
Whistling
Whistling is an air conditioner noise that should not be ignored, as it almost always means that there is a refrigerant leak in your system. If refrigerant leaks into your system, it can cause extensive damage that may require you to replace your air conditioner.
The moment you hear a whistling sound from your air conditioner you should shut down your system and call a maintenance professional. Don’t turn your system back on until your technician has found and repaired the refrigerant leak.
Clicking
When you turn on your air conditioner, it’s normal to hear a single click, which typically indicates your thermostat is communicating with your system. If the clicking noise continues, however, it may mean that there is a problem with your air conditioner.
If the clicking starts slow and then speeds up, it may mean there’s an obstruction in your system. If you hear constant clicking but your air conditioner doesn’t turn on, there’s probably an electrical issue. Finally, when you hear a clicking noise outside, you’re likely dealing with a compressor coil issue.
If you hear any of these air conditioning sounds, call E.C. Waters Air Conditioning & Heat at (407) 603-9144. We’ll detect the cause of the sound and fix it quickly so that your air conditioner runs the right way.
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