05 Jun Why Is My Air Conditioner So Noisy?
We often get asked, “Why is my air conditioner so noisy?” Like most machinery, you can expect your A/C unit to be a little loud when it runs. If your air conditioner is a newer model, it should be quieter than older models. Sometimes the noises you hear are nothing serious and other times they are the beginning of something more serious. Noises could be an indication it is time to think about replacing your air conditioner. Deciding when the noises your air conditioner is making is a problem is easy if you know what sounds to look for.
Common Noises Your Air Conditioner Makes
The longer you live in your house the more you will get used to the noises your air conditioner makes. If you notice a new noise that is an indication something is going on that you need to investigate. Decide where the noise is coming from. Is it the A/C unit or the ductwork? Once you decide where the noise is coming form, try to pinpoint what noise you hear. Common noises include squealing, rattling, grinding and hissing sounds.
Squealing Sound in A/C
A Squealing sound in your A/C can indicate a few things. Many times it is just leaves and debris on your fan blades. If you are comfortable taking the top panel off your unit you can check the fan blades to make sure they are free of sticks, dirt and debris. Make sure you turn you unit off at both the circuit breaker panel and the thermostat before you attempt to do anything with your A/C unit. If you don’t see any debris and still hear the noise you could have a loose bolt or fastener in your unit. Sometimes your fan needs lubrication. A rattling sound can also indicate your compressor motor is wearing. This may be an indication you need a new fan motor.
Rattling Sound in Ductwork
Ductwork like everything else will loosen over time causing noises. It’s important to have your ductwork inspected to make sure nothing serious is going on. Leaking or damaged ductwork will cause your air conditioner to run less efficiently and work harder.
Grinding Sounds in A/C
If you hear grinding noises in your A/C you probably need new bearings in your fan motor. This is a common cause of grinding sounds. It is also possible your fan blade is bent or hitting the side of the fan case. These are conditions you shouldn’t overlook. Air conditioner repairs should be handled quickly to prevent more costly problems occurring.
Hissing In A/C Unit
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner it is almost always a sign you’re leaking refrigerant or Freon. You will need to call your HVAC repairman to get this fixed right away.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Noisy?
As you can see there are many reasons why your air conditioner is loud. There are a few things you can do to quiet your air conditioner. Changing your air filter as recommended will help. It is important to have your air conditioner inspected and maintained properly with annual routine checkups. If you have questions about your air conditioner or are wondering, “Why is my air conditioner so noisy?” Call ADA Heating and Air we will be happy to help you by troubleshooting the problem and fixing it. We can also discuss noise-reduction options.