Birds chirping, bees buzzing, rain pouring, and waves crashing are all sounds that we like to hear. But sadly, there are plenty of sounds that most of us hate: construction at 7 a.m., alarm clocks, nails on a chalkboard, and oh, of course, all the possible strange noises that might come from your air conditioner.
You see, your air conditioner is not inherently noisy. In fact, the only sound you should ever hear coming from your system is the sound of air gently whooshing through the vents. Therefore, if you hear anything, you know, anything that doesn’t quite qualify as “background noise,” it’s definitely time to call in a pro for air conditioning repair in Charlottesville, VA.
Below, we have listed some of the noises you definitely don’t want to hear coming from your AC. Keep reading to find out more.
Keep Your Ears Open!
Here’s a list of sounds you definitely don’t want to hear coming from your AC:
Shrieking
Otherwise known as the sound of metal on metal, this noise can be indicative of a variety of motor problems. The most likely culprit is motor bearings that have worn down. If these bearings fail, it can end up permanently damaging the motor if you’re not careful. Therefore, it’s important to call for repairs right away.
Grinding
Grinding is another sign of motor problems, often from too much dust build-up or too little lubrication on the components. If this sound is paired with an acrid odor from the vents, we recommend shutting down your system and contacting a professional for repairs ASAP, as your motor is likely overheating.
Rattling
Rattling can be the result of a variety of issues. For instance, it can be from a minor problem, like a loose cabinet door. However, it might also indicate that a component of your AC has come loose and is being knocked around. Fortunately, a professional will be able to diagnose the issue and repair it accordingly.
Hissing
A hissing sound is almost always due to a refrigerant leak. This sound is one of the earliest signs of this problem—indicative of high-pressure gas escaping from the lines. If you hear this sound, it is important that you call for repairs right away, as a refrigerant leak can lead to all sorts of other issues.
Clicking
You may hear a clicking sound when your system starts up and when it cycles down. These clicks are normal. What’s not normal is the consistent clicking or a “hard starting” air conditioner. This means that the system is struggling to power the compressor, which is definitely something you want fixed right away.
Clanging
Though this noise can be rather loud and alarming, it’s probably something like a loose fan belt or a bent air handler that the fan blades are knocking into. If you hear this sound, it’s in your best interest to shut down the system before there’s any more damage.
Schedule your air conditioning repairs with the team at Mack Morris Heating & Air Conditioning today.