It’s normal for your air conditioner to make noises, especially when it starts up. Because of their location, indoor portable and wall-mounted units are often louder than central air and outdoor AC units. Still, the noise shouldn’t be excessively disruptive. If your AC is making loud noises, it probably needs repair.
Read on to learn more about common air conditioner noises and when to seek professional help.
AC Noises You Shouldn’t Ignore
Don’t ignore new or loud air conditioner noises. They may signal a bigger issue with your unit that could decrease efficiency, increase heating bills, or lead to a complete breakdown. Loud noises are concerning, but there’s a good chance the problem is fixable. Review these common causes to troubleshoot the source of your AC noise.
Grinding or scraping
When your AC makes a grinding noise, the culprit could be a bent fan blade, broken bearings, or worn compressor. These parts need professional replacement. The longer they’re left unrepaired, the more they’ll damage your system.
Squealing
If your AC makes a squealing noise, you likely have a slipped fan belt or dry fan motor bearings. A high-pitched squealing noise also indicates a compressor issue and increased internal pressure. Contact an HVAC technician to quickly adjust or replace the belt and lubricate the bearings. A compressor issue is more serious, so have it repaired as soon as possible.
Banging or clunking
The cause of your AC’s banging noise is usually the blower fan unit. Sometimes, the fan blades or other parts inside the blower unit become loose and bang into other components of the motor. A loose compressor can also cause a banging or rattling noise in your AC.
Hissing
A puncture or tear in the refrigerant line can make a hissing noise, which indicates a coolant leak. The refrigerant in your AC system operates efficiently in a closed-loop system with a set pressure. Even slight imbalances can cause your system to overwork, leading to damaged components and higher energy bills.
Why Call a Pro for a Noisy AC?
Most causes of a noisy AC system require immediate repairs by an AC technician. Before you call, replace your air filter, clear blocked air ducts and intake vents, and clean your outdoor condenser fins. If these easy tasks don’t resolve the problem, it’s probably time to call a professional.
Call QRC if your AC makes strange noises and you want quality results. We take pride in our work and have over 50 years of heating and cooling experience. Our insured, bonded, and licensed technicians are EPA-certified to provide quality repair services on all air conditioning types.
AC systems have specialized components. Our certified QRC technicians use advanced tools to quickly assess your system and provide a viable solution.
Our professional repairs can extend the service life of your air conditioner. We understand the impact of the humid Winston-Salem summer climate and can make recommendations to improve your AC unit’s efficiency. When it’s time for a replacement, we’ll provide energy-efficient recommendations sized for your home and wallet.
Don’t DIY Noisy AC Repairs
It may be tempting to try to fix a noisy AC yourself, but it’s not always a good idea. Attempting a DIY job can cause more damage to your unit. Temporary fixes sometimes lead to other problems later on.
For example, taping a hissing pipe may still lead to a loss of pressure and coolant, causing the AC to overcompensate and wear down other components. This results in pooling water, poor cooling, and higher utility bills.
Trying to fix the noise yourself invalidates most warranties and can also cause personal injury. Our insured and bonded technicians know how to tackle AC repairs safely. We actively pursue professional development beyond the basic requirements to ensure we provide you with the best possible service.
A licensed professional provides solutions you can count on. Our technicians stand by their work. If you’re unhappy, we’ll do what it takes to make it right.
Get Professional AC Repairs and Service
Loud and new air conditioning noises are cause for concern, but in many cases, they’re fixable. When you call QRC for AC repair services in Winston-Salem and the surrounding area, you can feel confident that your system will be up and running in no time.
We value your time and your business. We fully stock our trucks so we can efficiently repair common problems. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule repairs. Our team is standing by for emergency services or scheduled maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
My AC is suddenly making a loud noise. Should I be worried?
A loud or new noise from your AC unit is cause for concern, but you don’t need to panic. Many of the underlying problems are an easy fix for a licensed professional.
Could ignoring a noisy AC cause bigger problems?
Ignoring the noise can lead to a bigger problem or, worse, a complete breakdown. A noisy AC indicates a faulty component or broken part. The longer you leave it, the worse the problem gets. A noisy AC signals your system isn’t working as efficiently as it should, making it harder for the unit to cool your home and driving up your electricity bill.
Are there any noises that mean I should turn my AC off immediately?
Prolonged high-pitch squealing could signal an internal pressure issue and lead to a burst or blown motor. Clanking or banging means a loose or misaligned part is hitting other components. Turn your system off and call QRC for emergency repair.