When you hear the AC making strange noises, you might get away with ignoring it for a while. But eventually, the problem catches up to you, causing other comfort issues throughout your home or business. Addressing the sounds before they get louder and cause mechanical damage will save you money and time.
Leith Heating & Cooling’s technicians have heard their fair share of strange noises during AC repair in Gilberts, IL. They offer their insights into what those sounds might mean below. Let’s find out whether you can quickly fix the issue or if you need professional assistance.
What It Means When Your AC Is Making Strange Noise
Air conditioners, furnaces, and boilers have their own not-so-secret languages. Some sounds let you know that the system works just fine and may include:
- A soft click from the thermostat before a cycle begins and ends
- Whirring startup noises as the internal components warm up and begin moving
- Soft hums throughout the cycle
- Quiet metallic vibrations as air moves through the ducts
Your air conditioner is telling you that this is a routine cooling cycle. But let’s explore what it means when you hear your AC making strange noises.
#1 Vibrating
Some vibrations warn you about loose or misaligned parts. If the vibrations continue after the cycle initiates, they might come from an unbalanced AC fan. Think about how a box or ceiling fan works.
Each blade must maintain an even, aligned position so all blades share an equal load. If one blade becomes warped, it can cause repetitive noises or even keep the fan from circulating altogether.
#2 Grinding
Air conditioner bearings are ring-like metallic objects that reduce motor friction. Over time, these bearings wear down, which may cause obnoxious, persistent grinding noises. Worn-out AC bearings can also increase your utility bills because intense friction forces the system to work overtime.
If you can hear your AC making strange noises that resemble a constant grating sound, ask a technician to check and maybe lubricate or replace the bearings.
#3 Rattling
Does your air conditioner sound like a rickety old school bus on a gravel road in Gilberts, Illinois? That rattling noise might come from the blower motor. When the AC blower motor is loud, it could have several issues:
- The fan blades may have dents or lack the necessary balance to rotate quietly.
- The screws holding the motor together might have shaken loose over the years.
- Debris became trapped in the moving parts, causing the rattling noise.
Regardless of the sound’s source, you’ll need an HVAC technician to troubleshoot the problem as the motor is one of the most critical components in the cooling cycle.
#4 Banging
Banging can also indicate loose parts in the AC system. However, these parts are much bigger than a screw or washer that needs a quick tightening. The belt may snap and slap around in the motor compartment, or the AC fan may be hitting something.
Contact an HVAC technician about replacing the belt since it will wear out over time. They can also straighten the blades if needed.
#5 Buzzing
Persistent buzzing and humming could come from the compressor in your unit. So, what does a loud AC compressor mean? It often means potential danger in the form of:
- Damaged or insecure wires: When electricity has to jump from one exposed wire to another, it produces a humming or buzzing sound.
- Inadequate electrical current: Another electrical concern that causes buzzing is poor electrical flow, which makes the compressor sound off.
- Overheating: Heat energizes the compressor bearings, causing them to become excessively hot. They might jump or vibrate as the heat makes them move.
- Detached compressor feet: Compressors have small, rubber feet on their bottoms to stabilize them. When the rubber bits loosen and fall off, the compressor becomes unbalanced and can vibrate loudly as it operates.
Can You Handle It, Or Should You Call an HVAC Technician in Gilberts, Illinois?
Always request that an HVAC technician investigate any new or repeated noises. However, you can prevent some rattling, shaking, and vibrating simply by:
- Cleaning organic debris from around your outdoor unit
- Changing your filter to protect system efficiency
- Removing obstacles that find their way into your ductwork
Tune-ups from Leith Heating & Cooling will take care of lubrication, hardware tightening, and other noisy issues.
Leith Heating & Cooling Brings Your Peace Back With Air Conditioning Services in Gilberts, Illinois
Is your AC making strange noises? Trust Leith Heating & Cooling to maintain and repair your cooling system. Avoid the dangers of DIY AC repair by trusting our licensed technicians in Gilberts, Illinois.