Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner Makes Odd Sounds

Air Conditioner Makes Odd SoundsThere’s nothing much more alarming than when your air conditioner makes odd sounds. It may seem that if you don’t immediately turn it off, catastrophe will strike. While the truth is that a strange noise could be something major, most of the time the problem is something that can be fixed fairly simply. To be on the safe side, have a professional technician check your system to make sure you get to the bottom of the issue.

Different Sounds Can Mean Different Things

If your air conditioner makes odd sounds, the reason can vary depending on the type of sound that is being made. Here’s a list of some of the more common noises and what causes them:

  • Loud sounds from the compressor – This could mean your system needs a refrigerant charge. If there’s a substantial leak, that could be a major problem because you might need an entirely new unit.
  • Clicking, ticking, rattling, rumbling or similar sounds – If you hear this when the system is starting up, that could mean there’s a loose piece of equipment in the compressor. It could be a broken spring, detached tube or a loose bolt. There could also be something wrong with the blower motor. If you hear a sound similar to that of a bad car engine, that may mean you have a cracked or loose fan belt. This needs to be addressed quickly before the other components of your system are damaged.
  • High-pitched screaming or hissing – This may be a result of a dangerous buildup of pressure in the compressor. Even though your unit has a sensor that will shut down the system if high pressure is detected, you still need to call a technician.
  • Humming but not turning on – You probably have a bad capacitor that needs to be replaced. This is a minor job that can be performed quickly.

Please don’t ignore a situation where your air conditioner makes odd sounds, because that could indicate a major issue. Give the professionals with Metro Express Service a call at 972-263-2500 or contact us online to schedule service.

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Randy Murphy

Randy Murphy has been building his knowledge of the air conditioning and heating business for several years now. He first started applying his knowledge while working for his father’s HVAC company. Later, in 1987, Randy started his own business: Metro Express Service. He has been a top 10 Trane & Amana dealer for over eight years. When it comes to heating and cooling, Randy knows the business better than anyone.
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