What Your Noisy Air Conditioner Is Telling You

Similar to the way an automobile will make clinking or clanking noises, or how a smoke detector will beep when  their batteries are getting low, the sounds coming from a noisy air conditioner can send homeowners a “help” signal when something is amiss with the system.

Noisy air conditioners indicate that a system may require repair or maintenance. All you have to do is listen. Here are some of the types of sounds that might indicate a problem:

• Hissing — This noise can be an indication that you have a leak in one of your system’s components. You’ll want to check your ductwork and refrigerant piping to zero in on the location of the problem. Leaks in the return- and supply-air registers can be commonplace as well, often making a whistling noise.
• Banging and/or clanking — If you hear a loud knocking of some kind, this often means that you have a problem with your compressor. If left unchecked, the problem could escalate into a costly one.
• Clanking or clicking upon startup — Any type of unusual sound when you power up your system can also point to a problem with your compressor.
• Animal noises — In a forced-air system with ductwork, there is the chance that small animals may take up residence inside of the ducts. Depending on the type of sound you hear, there may be a bird, raccoon, rat or bees in the ducts.
• Clicking, rattling or squeaking — These types of sounds may mean that you have a problem with your fan blades. The fan may be obstructed, worn out or have a loose pulley for example.

These are a few of the sounds that you may hear in a noisy air conditioner. To learn more about how a noisy air conditioner can be an indicator of something wrong with your unit, or for general maintenance information, please don’t hesitate to contact the friendly experts at Rinaldi’s Air Conditioning. We have been serving greater Orlando since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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