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These Sounds Mean Your AC Is In Trouble

Have you ever started up your AC for the first hot day of the year only to hear an unfamiliar and awful noise? That isn’t good.

Below are some sounds you may hear and what they could mean for repairing your AC unit. Remember these are warning sounds and the sooner you have them investigated the better the outcome may be.

Rattling and Clanging

There are a few common possibilities as to why you may hear your AC unit rattling. Here are a few of the common culprits.

  1. Trash and Debris
    Trash and debris in and around your condenser unit, such as twigs from trees, can cause a rattling sound if not cleaned before starting your AC up for the first time in the summer season. Once the debris is removed and you still have rattling you it may indicate…
  2. Loose Screw and Panels
    Over time, the small vibrations from your AC unit can cause screws and panels to loosen. If you find that this is the case, have an expert technician examine the system to tighten all loose fittings.
  3. Fan Problems
    A misaligned fan has the potential to cause expensive damage if left unattended for too long. Be sure to leave fan repairs up to a professional. Fans in AC units tend to be very sharp and dangerous.

Screeching and Squealing

Probably the two most painful noises to hear coming from your AC unit are screeching and squealing. A professional is trained to know exactly what these noises mean.

If you hear screeching, it is more than likely you have a problem with your AC compressor, or your fan motor is worn out and causing a metal rubbing noise. Your local professional will be able to determine the source of the noise and fix it.

If you are hearing squealing sounds coming from your AC, you can suspect that it is the fan belt. Over time belts can become dried out and worn down. Contact a professional technician to investigate a fan belt and lubricate it before running your AC again. You want to avoid breaking the belt and causing more damage.

Hissing or Bubbling

Hissing coming from your AC could be a couple of things. Your AC could have a leaky refrigerant line or it could also mean that you have a leaky air duct.

If you hear bubbling in your AC you could be having trouble with your AC’s condensate drain line. Bubbling could be another sign that your refrigerant line has a leak. These repairs should only be handled by a professional since this type of repair requires special training.

Buzzing or Humming

Another sound to keep on the alert for is buzzing or humming. In some cases, this can be fixed with a change in your air filter if is was especially dirty. However, in a majority of cases, you are hearing the sign of an electrical issue in your system.

If your AC unit sounds like it is struggling to survive, never fear! Our team can provide air conditioning repair in Horn Lake, MS.

Since 1943, it’s been Automatic in Memphis! Contact Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today to schedule your repairs.

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