4 AC Noises That Need Professional Attention ASAP

Are you hearing unfamiliar or very loud noises coming from your air conditioning system? These noises could indicate an underlying issue with your equipment, and turning a blind eye could cause more expensive problems down the road. 

In this article, we share four types of air conditioner noise that will tell you to call an HVAC professional ASAP.

1. Banging noises. If you’re hearing banging noises in your AC unit, chances are there’s a loose or broken component — like a connecting rod, crankshaft or piston pin — inside the compressor. Another possibility is that the indoor blower is unbalanced. Most of the time, these issues mean the compressor needs to be replaced.

2. Buzzing noises. Buzzing noises could mean many different things including loose parts, a failing outdoor motor fan, loose fan blades, a dirty condenser coil, a dirty air filter, an out-of-balance blower and refrigerant leaks. If your AC unit seems to be operating but isn’t sufficiently cooling your living space — therefore reducing your indoor air quality — the problem is likely a refrigerant leak. Like a failing compressor, this should be attended to by a technician right away.

3. Rattling noises. Chattering or rattling noises may imply that some of its parts are loose. If left unchecked, the electrical component that is making the chattering sound could also damage other parts of your equipment. Normally, cleaning the condenser coil, changing the filter and tightening loose screws or bolts in the casing can resolve the issue. If none of these steps work, it’s time to call an expert.

4. Squealing noises. If you’re hearing high-pitched squealing or whistling noises, shut your AC off and contact an HVAC technician immediately. Chances are you’re dealing with serious refrigerant leaks or high internal pressure within the compressor, and both can be very dangerous.

Amber Air Conditioning Inc. is the go-to HVAC contractor for residents of Lake Elsinore, Temecula and Corona, CA. Schedule a service appointment with our top-rated technicians by calling (951) 674-6974 or filling out our convenient online form.