A loud AC makes the comfort that air conditioning units provide less pleasurable. This is especially true when the noise is extremely loud, such as banging, rattling or buzzing. Any sound can be caused by numerous different reasons that range in severity from ‘here’s a DIY solution’ to ‘schedule professional AC repair NOW.’
Wondering which solution to go for and when? To assist with Jupiter AC maintenance, Complete Comfort has compiled a list of possible noises and what they mean.
Indoor And Outdoor Units
If your once quiet AC is now unbearably loud, check to see if there is something wrong with your indoor or outdoor unit. To absorb any noise the internal parts produce, most units will include isolation padding. However, these pads eventually wear, crumble and break, increasing noise levels and requiring replacement.
Loud noises can also be caused by your refrigerant lines being installed too tightly. To fix this problem, call an HVAC technician and have them adjust your system. Similarly, call for air conditioning repair ASAP if a piece of hardware has come loose in the motor or the motor begins to fail. Begin looking for a replacement system as soon as you hear buzzing noise: this indicates that your unit, due to age, is starting to wear down.
Outdoor Unit Issues
A loud rattle could mean that the outdoor air conditioner’s compressor fan has a small piece of debris in it. Thankfully, this can be fixed with a simple DIY solution: turn off the unit and remove any visible obstruction. After this is done, check the condenser coils, compressor and fan for any damage and call a professional if necessary. Other than that, the outside compressor can also have problems that come down to its age or malfunctions.
Indoor Unit Issues
The indoor unit can also have specific problems that lead to a loud AC. Like outside compressors, indoor blower motors can start displaying problems due to old age or malfunctions.
Squealing can often mean the indoor belt is worn or misaligned. This sound will often vary due to changing temperatures and humidity levels causing the belt to expand and contract.
Other Problems
No problems with your outdoor or indoor unit? Try looking for problems in your home’s ductwork, heat pump or furnace instead.
Ductwork
With a quiet AC, a silent rush of air coming from your ductwork is normal. However, a hiss, similar to a snake, means there’s leaking coolant and improperly sealed ducts. In this scenario, an HVAC team’s attention is needed immediately.
Heat Pump
Shutting off your heat pump shouldn’t be accompanied by any sound. However, if the compressor motor is trumpeting or hissing, you might have a leaky internal refrigerant valve. A refrigerant leak can be dangerous: call a specialist to schedule repairs.
Furnace
As they contain many components, furnaces can make several different noises, each meaning something different. Depending on where, and what, the noise is, problems vary in how severe they are.
Less Dangerous
Typically, turning the system on and off is accompanied by clicking. If such sounds are coming from the control panel, however, try resetting the system.
Furnace belt or motor bearing problems can be indicated by squealing or screeching. This issue, thankfully, can be corrected simply by changing the lubricating oil or, if necessary, an inexpensive repair.
“Thwapping,” is a word that sounds weird, but you’ll recognize the sound when you hear it. Often, this comes down to something stuck in the fan blades. While not dangerous, it can shorten the motor’s lifespan. Carefully shut off the blower and remove any blockage.
Chirping sounds usually signals that two parts are rubbing together without proper lubrication. If the sound is short and high-pitched, wait a few minutes and write down what happens. If the sound stops, the issue is probably minor; take your notes to an HVAC technician during your next Jupiter AC maintenance visit. If the chirping doesn’t stop or becomes a squeal, call an expert for an inspection.
More Dangerous
If you hear banging, turn off your furnace ASAP. This indicates that a large part of it needs an expert’s investigation and replacement immediately.
Vibrations indicate an off-balance motor. While not overly concerning, don’t ignore such a sound and call a specialist immediately. If you have a gas or oil-fired system, and you hear rumbling, immediately alert a professional: such noises can be associated with combustion.
Let’s Get You A Quiet AC!
Ready to put an end to your loud AC unit? Pay attention to where the noise is coming from, what it is and what that means. Whatever the problem is, Complete Comfort is here for its customers! Whether you need an inspection or professional AC repair, schedule an appointment today and keep your system quiet.
