10 Noises That Mean You Need AC Repair
Loud and unusual noises are among the most common reasons to call for AC repair. The flow of air and the fan spinning are the only sounds you should hear. However, while central air conditioning systems are rarely silent, mechanical wear, ductwork issues, or age can cause them to produce more sound over time. Some noises can indicate or precede serious problems.
Booming
Whistling
Screeching
Groaning
Grinding
Rattling
Clattering
Hissing/Bubbling
Popping
Clicking
A prompt AC repair can avoid significant damage. The following noises are most concerning and are reasons to call for air conditioning repair in Tacoma, WA.
- Booming
If the cooling cycle begins with a booming or banging sound, the compressor may be hard starting. This can wear it out quickly. The problem is often caused by a faulty capacitor, which a professional can easily replace. The capacitor supplies extra energy for starting, as the system uses more power to turn on than while running. Replacing the part can eliminate the noise and prevent further damage.
A booming noise may also come from the ductwork. Temperature changes can cause the metal to expand and contract, generating noise throughout your home. The sounds are most notable as the system starts and stops. They can reduced by:
- Scheduling regular maintenance
- Tightening loose connections
- Securing air ducts
- Installing vibration dampeners or isolators
- Whistling
Whistling can indicate either a refrigerant leak or a ductwork leak.
As refrigerant cycles through an air conditioning system, it alternates between liquid and gaseous states. The signs of a leak can vary depending on its location. If it occurs where the coolant is in gas form, it can produce a whistling sound. Call for AC repair immediately, as refrigerant is a chemical that can harm building materials, the environment, and your health.
Holes in your ductwork can also cause whistling as air escapes under pressure. Over time, these holes can expand or multiply. Increased air leakage forces your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. Ductwork repairs can avoid more serious damage and lower utility costs. Therefore, technicians should look for leaks as part of their annual AC maintenance checklist.
- Screeching
A high-pitched screeching noise can seem very alarming. It can be caused by a loose, torn, or slipped fan belt. Failing compressor motor bearings can also make screeching sounds. Turn your AC off and call a repair contractor whenever you hear such a noise. Otherwise, the damage can spread quickly.
- Groaning
A groaning noise can also mean the fan motor bearings are wearing out. Over time, constant friction grinds down these parts. Lubricating them during annual maintenance can slow the process. Removing and installing a bearing is a much simpler and less expensive AC repair than replacing a burnt-out motor.
- Grinding
When a metal component moves against a metal surface, it can cause a grinding sound. This can be due to the following issues:
- Your AC system hasn’t been properly lubricated.
- The condenser fan bearings have gone bad.
- A broken fan blade is hitting the metal cabinet.
- The blower fan in the indoor unit is damaged.
- Small metal valves and other parts in the compressor are broken.
- Rattling
Some rattling as the system turns on and off, and that doesn’t last long, may not indicate anything is wrong. However, more persistent, prolonged rattling can mean parts of your ductwork have loosened. It can also come from loose parts inside your AC unit, stray nuts or bolts, or an object that’s fallen into a floor vent. An HVAC technician has the knowledge to find the source of the noise and determine how to address it.
- Clattering
Hearing clattering from your AC almost certainly means something is loose inside. The solution may be as simple as tightening a screw or a fan blade. But if the part loosens further, or worse, breaks off, it can easily damage other parts of the system. If you can’t find the problem or secure the affected part, call a professional for air conditioning repair in Tacoma, WA.
- Hissing/Bubbling
A hissing or bubbling sound is a telltale sign of a refrigerant leak. The noise usually originates from a leak in the coil. If the problem isn’t fixed soon, your AC’s performance will decline, and cooling your home will require more energy. Also, the less refrigerant in the system, the more the compressor will be strained until it overheats and shuts down. A technician must seal the leak (or replace the coil if it’s severely damaged) and refill the refrigerant.
- Popping
A popping sound often means something is obstructing your air ducts. Regular maintenance or duct cleaning can take care of this. However, ice or water trapped in your AC system can also cause popping. A frozen evaporator coil or a low refrigerant level can cause this. No matter how noticeable or subtle a popping noise is, call an AC repair professional to troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix the problem.
- Clicking
Your AC may click as it turns on and off. Clicking sounds should not be audible at any other time during a cooling cycle. If you hear them often, the system may be short-cycling. A persistent clicking can mean a compressor problem is preventing the unit from turning on. This noise may not seem significant, but its cause must be fixed before your AC breaks down.
Call Kliemann Brothers for AC Repair in Tacoma, WA
Highly trained, experienced, and equipped, our technicians diagnose and fix air conditioning systems throughout the Tacoma area. They’re familiar with every AC brand and model. No matter the nature and size of the issue, they quickly repair it. Don’t wait if you hear strange noises from a unit; the sooner you call, the more likely we can avoid major damage.
To request AC repair and other air conditioning services, call Kliemann Brothers at (253) 201-8498 today.