Air conditioners have limited avenues of communication. They can’t speak to you with words, and there’s no digital read-out that gives details of everything an air conditioner might be struggling with. Often, the first sign of an AC issue is a strange sound. Here’s what to listen for, so you can get it fixed before a small problem becomes a huge one.
Grinding
The fans in your air conditioner—both in the indoor evaporator unit and the outdoor condenser unit—are powered by motors. Ball bearings allow the motors to run smoothly. If there’s insufficient lubrication, perhaps because it is late in the summer and it has worn away, or perhaps because you didn’t have maintenance done this spring, those bearings can begin to grind. Addressing the problem right away means cleaning and lubrication. Putting it off could mean replacing the motor.
Hissing
If it sounds like escaping gas, it might be exactly that. The refrigerant running through the coils of your air conditioner changes state from liquid to gas. If there’s a puncture or crack in the coils, refrigerant can leak out in gaseous form and make a hissing noise. Low levels of refrigerant cause worse problems than just inadequate cooling, and can even do permanent damage to the compressor, so get AC repair in Shelby County, AL right away.
Shrieking
A fan and a motor that powers that fan are generally connected with a belt. If that belt is slipping out of position or starting to stretch or tear, it can make a screeching, shrieking sound. You definitely don’t want that belt to come completely free and slap around in there, damaging the fan, the motor, or other components. Get it fixed before that happens.
Buzzing
Perhaps a seal in the AC unit or a joint in the ductwork has just enough looseness to vibrate and cause a buzz. But it’s also possible that an electrical problem is the true culprit. Your technician can determine the exact diagnosis and get it repaired before any more damage is done to the unit.
Rattling
In most cases, this is as simple as a loose component that needs to be tightened, or a broken or misaligned fan blade causing a clatter. Again, prompt repairs can mean a quick fix, and delayed repairs can mean that more components have been damaged and it’s more costly and time-consuming to get your AC unit back in good condition.
Banging
A loud bang from the outdoor unit must never be ignored. It might be that it’s hard starting, coming on with a boom when the cooling cycle starts. This might be as simple to repair as replacing the capacitor which stores and then releases the extra power the compressor needs to begin a cycle. But there could be a problem with a crankshaft or connecting rod. Never risk damage to your compressor! It’s the most expensive component in the whole system.
“Your experience is what matters most!” Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today for help with all your heating and cooling needs.
