The air conditioner in your Atlanta area home should operate without much noise. A gentle hum from the indoor and outdoor units is to be expected, but any new or loud noises beyond that are potentially problematic. If your air conditioner is making funny noises, it’s a likely sign you are in need of an AC repair.
In our most recent blog, Estes Services shares some common air conditioner noises and what can cause your cooling system to produce these odd sounds as it starts, stops, and runs.
Why Air Conditioners Make Buzzing Sounds
Buzzing noises that remind you of a swarm of bees are a sign you need AC repair. Buzzing air conditioner noises can be caused by:
- Debris trapped in the outdoor unit
- Loose components
- Broken or missing isolation feet
- Compressor malfunctions
- Refrigerant leaks
Each one of these cooling system issues requires professional diagnosis and a repair to correct. Internal components may need to be resecured, leaks sealed, or components replaced entirely.
Banging and Clanking Noises from an Air Conditioner Are Caused by…
Banging noises in the outdoor unit often originate from issues with the compressor. An interior piston pin, crankshaft, or connecting rod may have come loose. These issues become more common as an air conditioner nears the end of its service life. As compressors aren’t meant to be taken apart, these problems will usually require a new compressor to be installed.
If a banging sound comes from the indoor air conditioning system equipment, the blower wheel could be out of balance. There could be materials that have gotten sucked into the system and lodged into the blower wheel, or a balancing weight on the wheel has come loose and fallen off.
This issue should be corrected right away before it causes other issues with your cooling system. Turn off power to the equipment. Remove access panels on the indoor unit and look in the equipment chambers for loose materials, and remove any if found.
Clicking Sounds from Your Cooling System
It’s normal to hear a click as a cooling cycle starts and stops – this comes from the thermostat. If clicking continues throughout the cycle, you may have a malfunctioning thermostat. Call for AC repairs to have your thermostat inspected and have a new one installed if needed.
Screaming AC Noises Mean…
If you hear a high-pitched screaming noise from your outside unit as a cooling cycle starts, you have an AC emergency on your hands. If the sound lasts about 10 to 15 seconds, this indicates high pressure in the compressor. Turn off your air conditioner and call for repairs right away.
Squealing Air Conditioner Sounds
Squealing from an indoor or outdoor AC unit usually means there is a bad condenser or blower fan and motor. These components will need to be replaced to stop the noise and restore quiet cooling system operation in your home.
Squealing could also come from a bad fan belt in the blower compartment. Newer air conditioning units don’t have belt-driven fan motor assemblies, so this issue is only likely if you have older HVAC equipment.
Hissing from an Air Conditioning Unit
If you hear a hissing noise somewhere along your cooling system, there could be a refrigerant leak. Professional AC system repair is needed to find and fix a refrigerant leak as well as recharge your system with the proper refrigerant volume for efficient operation.
Contact Estes Services for Atlanta AC Repair
When you hear strange noises coming from your air conditioner, don’t ignore them! Call Estes Services for air conditioner repair in Atlanta, Georgia and the surrounding areas. Our skilled technicians will find the source of the noise and stop it as soon as possible!
