Air conditioners make noise. That’s only to be expected—they do a lot of work, and they’re full of moving parts. Anything with a motor and a fan will always create some sound.
However, there’s a difference between the normal noise of regular AC operation and the kind of sounds that indicate a problem. Knowing which is which can help you determine when everything is as it should be and when you need to schedule AC repair in Destin, FL. Here are several noises you don’t want to hear from your air conditioner, and if you do hear them, you’ll know it’s time to call a professional.
Hissing
If your air conditioner sounds like an angry cat, that could also indicate a refrigerant leak. This sound could also be made by a leaking valve or a problem with the compressor.
Whistling or Humming
The good news with a whistle or hum is that it’s most likely to be caused by a seal problem. A seal may have come loose or been damaged. This tends to be an easy fix, but it should be addressed promptly. A seal left in that condition isn’t just annoying to listen to, it is putting strain on the rest of the system, which could mean the repairs will be more significant the longer you put them off.
Squeaking or Screeching
If it sounds like a mouse, or more severely like squealing car brakes, it could be that the fan or the belt is the cause. Again, prompt service can prevent this smaller problem from affecting other parts of the air conditioner and becoming a much larger problem.
Clicking
Because a frequent clicking sound can be a sign of an electrical problem, this is a major safety issue. Don’t try to resolve it yourself. Professional technicians can address electrical problems safely.
Clattering
Does it sound like something’s rattling around in there? This could be as minor an issue as the fan coming slightly loose and tilting. It’s important to get it back into position, both to keep it pushing air efficiently and to prevent it from coming completely undone or causing damage to other components.
Booming
This alarming sound is likely to be the result of problems with the compressor. Because the compressor is essentially the heart of the air conditioner, pumping refrigerant through the system, it is the most critical component.
Once, a customer called us from out of town. Her neighbor was concerned about the noise her outdoor AC unit was making. We investigated and happily reported that it was simply in defrost mode, making more noise than it does in other cycles. Your peace of mind is our priority, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
For professional and reliable AC repair, look no further than Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, Inc. Contact us today!