Are you at your wit’s end? No longer able to cope with the strange, irritating noises coming from your A/C?
You know — that banging, clanging, rattling, screeching noise that keeps you awake at night with the sides of your pillow pressed against your ears. It chases you day and night like some sort of phantom sound straight out of a Steven King novel, until you just can’t take it anymore.
No, you’re not going crazy! But your air conditioner is probably on the fritz. Lucky for you, we prepared this blog article outlining exactly what to do when your A/C starts making eerie noises.
Noises
The solution to your problem lies in the noise itself. Different sounds are indicative of different issues.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Banging or Clanking
- Buzzing
- Squealing or Screeching
- Clicking
- Humming
- Rattling
These noises can be subtle and hard to tell from one another — but being able to identify exactly what you’re hearing is essential to diagnosing the problem. For example, incessant buzzing may indicate an issue with the motor or fan blades while constant clicking is probably a sign of electrical issues.
What Air Conditioner Noises Mean
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to get down to business! Time to finally fix that irritating, repetitive sound that’s been driving you up the wall, and allow nirvana-like serenity to wash over you — cleansing you of the constant ruckus that makes that one vein bulge from your forehead.
But before we dive into DIY fixes, here are a couple things to remember:
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- ALWAYS turn off the A/C unit before inspecting it.
- Check your filter first! A dirty filter is an easy fix, and often the reason your A/C isn’t performing at its absolute best.
- Listen carefully. Identifying the noise and its location is the first step to fixing the problem.
- If you do not feel comfortable fixing a problem, call a professional HVAC technician at Norwalk – La Mirada Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning.
Banging or Clanking
Possible Causes: Loose or broken parts, such as a connecting rod, piston pin, or crankshaft.
The Fix: This noise usually indicates a serious issue. Turn off the unit and call a professional to inspect and repair it.
Buzzing
Possible Causes: Loose parts, debris in the unit, or issues with the motor or fan blades.
The Fix:
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- Turn off the unit and check for any visible debris around the fan blades or motor.
- Remove any obstructions carefully.
- Check for loose parts, tightening any visibly loose screws or bolts.
- If all else fails and the noise persists, contact a technician.
Squealing or Screeching
Possible Causes: Worn-out belts, misaligned blower motor, or lack of lubrication in the motor.
The Fix: Turn off the unit and inspect the belts for wear and tear. If they appear worn out, they will need to be replaced. If you’re comfortable, lubricate the motor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the noise continues, schedule maintenance with a professional technician at Norwalk — La Mirada Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning.
Clicking
Possible Causes: Electrical issues, such as a failing thermostat or a defective control panel.
The Fix: First, replace the batteries in the thermostat and ensure that it’s set correctly. If that doesn’t work, check for any loose or frayed wires, but DO NOT attempt to fix electrical issues yourself. Call one of our HVAC technicians to inspect the electrical components instead.
Humming
Possible Causes: Issues with the fan motor, capacitor, or electrical components.
The Fix: Ensure that fan blades are not obstructed and can spin freely. If the fan blades are not obstructed, call one of our professional team members to inspect your A/C’s electrical components.
Rattling
Possible Causes: Loose screws, bolts, or panels, or debris caught in the unit.
The Fix: Turn off the unit and tighten any loose screws, bolts, or panels. Then check for and remove any visible debris in or around the unit.
Conclusion
When in doubt, call a professional!
The experienced technicians at Norwalk — La Mirada Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are here to help. We’ve been serving Greater Los Angeles for over sixty years, so you can be sure that we have the experience and tools needed to fix your A/C!
To schedule a service call, contact (562) 219-4085.