5 Dangerous Air Conditioner Noises to Listen For

As your air conditioner ages you may begin to hear it making strange sounds as it operates. This is normal, but you shouldn’t waste any time having it checked out if you hear it making the sounds listed below.

Squealing or Screeching

If you hear squealing or screeching noises emanating from your unit, it’s likely due to an old belt or bearings. If you allow the problem to persist, your belt could break causing your blower to become disabled or if the problem is in the motor you’ll need to use the correct heavyweight lubricant to correct the issue.

Grinding

The friction required to run your air conditioner will eventually wear out the bearings in the air handler motor, and when that happens you’ll hear a loud grinding noise. If you hear this, you’ll need to deal with it right away to keep your air conditioner motor from burning up.

Smacking

Hearing a fast smacking sound like playing cards on bicycle spokes from the blower usually means something is trapped in the blades or something is making contact with the blower as it turns. You’ll want to clear this debris right away before it ruins your motor.

Bubbling or Hissing

If you’re hearing bubbling or hissing noises in your air conditioner, it’s a sign you have air bubbles present in the refrigerant line due to a leak. Your refrigerant moves heat out of the home and is the lifeblood of your a/c unit – it cannot function without it. If you hear this sound or notice a leak in the line, request service immediately before more damage is done to the system.

Rattling and Clanking

Rattling and clanking in the system is an indication that something has come loose inside, usually in the motor or blower assembly. If you hear these sounds, it’s best to shut the system off and have the unit inspected before more damage occurs.

If you’re hearing strange noises in your air conditioner unit, call Reddi HVAC today at 316-462-2572 to speak to one of our HVAC experts and get immediate service.