It would be really great if it were possible to have an air conditioner that, when there was a problem with it, would tell us what that problem is and how to fix it. Honestly, there’s probably going to be some sort of technology and an app that goes along with it that tells us just that–after all, look at everything a smart thermostat can do!
Unfortunately, this isn’t a reality quite yet. So, for now it’s up to us as homeowners to be diligent and have a basic understanding of how our air conditioners work, so that when something does go wrong, we know to address it right away.
And one of the most common ways to know something is amiss with your air conditioner is if it’s making strange sounds. But, what qualifies as a strange sound? Are there specific noises you should keep an ear out for? Yup! We’ll cover them below.
Shrieking
Do you hear a shrieking noise coming from your air conditioner? This is, most commonly, the sign of a problem with a motor, or at least a motor bearing that’s getting worn down. It’s not uncommon for motor bearings to wear down. However, this is an issue that needs to be fixed right away so it doesn’t cause the motor to overheat!
Grinding
A grinding noise is also potentially a sign of a motor problem. It’s usually a noise created by a motor that has accumulated too much debris, like dust–or a motor that’s lost too much lubrication. While this, like the above noise, is a natural part of wear and tear, it’s still important to address the problem right away.
Rattling
Rattling might be a really minor problem. It might be nothing more than a loose cabinet door that you can fix with nothing more than a screwdriver. Alternatively, it might be that loose components are knocking around inside the system. It could be a loosened blower fan, or even something more serious. One thing is for sure though, you shouldn’t wait to call a pro!
Hissing
In most cases, when you hear an air conditioner hissing, it’s caused by a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the substance that makes the cooling process possible. When your system is losing refrigerant, it means there is a leak that must be located and repaired.
Refrigerant leaks can cause the AC coils to freeze over, the air conditioner to lose cooling power, and can cause compressor damage so bad that you’ll need to replace the entire system. None of this has to happen though, if you just give our team a call as soon as you hear this noise.
Clicking
Clicking is a somewhat “normal” sound for your air conditioner. You might hear your ductwork making this sound as the air conditioner cycles on or off, and as the temperature inside them fluctuates. But if you hear clicking the entire time the air conditioner is running, then the sound can be something more sinister and warrants a call to our team. We’re happy to help!
For professional and reliable air conditioning repair in Westwood, NJ, look no further than DB Heating & Cooling, Inc! Reach out to our team today.