Your air conditioner has a normal operating sound. After a summer or two, most homeowners know what it’s supposed to sound like. So when a new noise shows up, it’s worth paying attention. Some sounds are minor. Others are your system trying very hard to tell you that something is wrong.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common AC noises we hear about and what they usually mean.
Banging or Clanking
A banging or clanking sound coming from the outdoor unit almost always means something is loose or broken inside the condenser. It could be a loose fan blade, a broken component inside the compressor, or debris that has found its way into the unit. In any case, the system should be shut off and inspected before running it further. Continuing to run a system that’s banging risks turning a moderate repair into a much bigger one. Contact our air conditioning repair team as soon as you hear this.
Squealing or Screeching
A high-pitched squealing sound is typically a sign of a failing motor bearing or a belt that’s worn out. This can come from the indoor air handler or the outdoor unit, depending on the design of your system. It’s not something to ignore. A motor that’s squealing is on its way out, and running it to failure creates more damage than catching it early.
Hissing
Hissing from an AC system usually indicates refrigerant escaping from the system. A refrigerant leak is not something a homeowner can address themselves. Refrigerant handling requires a licensed technician, and the leak itself needs to be found and repaired properly rather than just topped off. If the hissing is coming from a duct rather than the unit itself, it may be leaking ductwork instead. We covered ductwork issues in a recent post on common ductwork problems in NJ homes.
Clicking
A click when the system starts and stops is completely normal. Repeated clicking that continues while the system is running, or that happens when the system is trying to start but won’t, often points to a failing capacitor or a relay issue. Capacitors are one of the most commonly replaced parts in an AC system. If you want to understand more about how they work, check out our post on what a capacitor does.
Rattling
Rattling can be as simple as a loose panel or debris in the outdoor unit, both of which are quick fixes. It can also indicate loose components inside the system. Before calling for service, check that the panels on your unit are secure and that there’s nothing resting against the condenser. If the rattling persists, it’s worth having a technician take a look.
Humming
A low hum is normal when the system is running. A loud or unusual hum, especially one that gets louder over time, can point to electrical issues or a motor that’s drawing too much power. Our electrical team works closely with our HVAC technicians when issues cross between the two disciplines.
If your AC is making a noise that wasn’t there before, don’t wait to see if it goes away. Give Rostron Premium Home Services a call at 732-374-9949. We service Monmouth and Ocean County and can usually get a technician out to you quickly.
