If your home has a noisy air conditioner, the constant sounds coming from your unit are likely grating on your nerves. But what can you do about it?
Your first goal should be to narrow down the cause. From there, you can decide how to move forward, whether it's an easy fix or time for a new air conditioner. Here are a few sounds (and their possible causes) to listen for:
- Banging, rattling, clanking or humming – All of these point to a compressor that is either broken or on its last legs. You'll need an HVAC professional to run a diagnostics test. If your compressor is at fault, you may be forced to replace the entire system.
- Hissing or roaring – Either of these can indicate air leaks or other problems in your ductwork. Since these leaks can greatly detract from your air conditioner's efficiency, locating them should be a top priority.
- Bubbling, gurgling or loud hissing – These noises may signal a refrigerant leak. A small leak will likely result in a bubbling or gurgling sound, whereas a loud hissing indicates a likely puncture. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, get the unit serviced immediately. Allowing a refrigerant leak to continue may cause your entire system to fail.
- Rattling, ticking, rumbling or clicking – If you hear these types of noises, you're probably looking at a small problem. Most likely, parts within your system may be dirty or loose. A simple maintenance call should be sufficient.
A noisy air conditioner can make any of these sounds, or even a combination of them. To prevent these noises, have your air conditioner serviced on a regular basis. And if you do hear any strange noises, call a trusted technician immediately to prevent bigger problems.
If you need further assistance regarding your noisy air conditioner, please do not hesitate to contact the knowledgeable professionals at Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating Inc. We have been providing the mid-Ohio area with quality HVAC services since 1965.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Mid-Ohio area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about noisy air conditioners and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
