Staying cool is the first thing we think of when we think about an air conditioner, but a comfortable temperature isn’t the only aspect of comfort. Just like living next to a construction site, too much noise coming from your air conditioner can disrupt your sense of comfort. Many air conditioners will make some kind of noise, but this is generally restricted to a soft hum during the cooling cycle or a handful of clicks at the start of each one.
If you’re hearing any other noises coming from your air conditioner, it’s a solid sign that something isn’t working right. Maybe a screw has shaken free, or an electrical component has failed, but regardless of the reason, quickly getting air conditioning repair in Omaha, NE, is the best idea. You can minimize possible damage to the air conditioner and get your cooling back to its regular efficiency that much sooner. Let’s review 5 types of sounds you’ll hear from your air conditioner and what they might mean.
Banging or Clanking Sounds
Like a dryer knocking around something from your pockets, a banging sound is very common when air conditioners are experiencing a problem. Many homeowners describe these noises as metallic, and in fact they’re often because a piece of metal is clanging against something else in your air conditioner. It could be a broken screw or something similar.
Moving components like the fan blades or the compressor are the most vulnerable to these kinds of problems since the vibrations can shake something free or break something off. And since some components like the compressor are airtight to the outside, the technician providing the HVAC service in Omaha, NE, will tell you you’ll have to replace it entirely if you want to get rid of the noise.
Hissing or Whistling Sounds
The sound of steam or a tea kettle have been compared to these kinds of noises. Many air conditioners make this noise naturally as refrigerant expands, but it shouldn’t last. If you continue to hear this sound after the start of a cooling cycle or it’s followed by a gurgling sound, it may be a sign of a leak.
Refrigerant is under high pressure, so even the smallest cracks can leave enough room for some of your AC system’s supply to leak out. You might be able to replenish the supply with AC repair in Omaha, NE, but severe leaks are typically widespread enough to require replacing the air conditioner entirely.
Popping or Gurgling Sounds
A popping or gurgling sound can resemble running water or even a popcorn machine. A refrigerant leak could be possible, but a more common culprit is the condensate drainage system. This important component drains away excess moisture to prevent it from damaging other components. If this drain line clogs up or breaks, the water has to go somewhere else.
This can lead to a host of other problems that will require AC repair in Omaha. The water can damage other components or breach the air conditioner and cause water damage near the home itself. If you hear gurgling or bubbling sounds, look for damp spots or signs of mold.
Humming or Buzzing Sounds
The constant mechanical hum your air conditioner makes is a sign the cooling process is proceeding as normal. Humming- and buzzing-type noises are only a cause for concern if you’re hearing them when the air conditioner isn’t running. It could be a sign that an electrical connection has become damaged or loose.
The sound itself is a product of the electrical current jumping across whatever gap has formed in the connection. Not only is the sound annoying, but other parts of the system could be damaged depending on where the electric current connects. Because electrical problems can be hazardous to resolve, it’s best to leave this kind of air conditioner repair to a professional.
Clicking, Ticking or Rattling Sounds
You probably already hear a few clicking sounds as your air conditioner starts up at the beginning of a cooling cycle. In this case, these noises are electrical connections switching on to start components like the blower motor and fan. But if these noises persist after the cooling cycle is in full swing, it could actually be another sign of an electrical problem. A certified Omaha HVAC technician will be able to find the source of the issue and provide lasting relief.