What is that noise coming from your air conditioner? Whether it’s rattling, squeaking, hissing, or humming, a new loud sound emanating from your air conditioner can be stress-inducing. An unusual new sound can be a warning sign that your air conditioner is about to malfunction or is in a state of disrepair. Don’t fret; knowledge is power. Our Southwest Florida air conditioning experts at Wayne Martin & Son Signature Air Conditioning can help you understand what problems these sounds are alerting you to, and how to address them.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for deciphering the source of the strange sounds coming from your air conditioner. That is why, if you notice a new or louder sound from your unit, our first recommendation is to call us. However, we understand that it is much more comforting to understand why your air conditioner is making strange sounds to begin with. Let’s take a look at some of the common sounds you may hear from your air conditioner and what they may mean.
Whining or Whistling
This can be an indicator of an airflow issue, which could be caused by anything from incompatible or damaged ducts, to poorly fitting HVAC equipment, or a clogged air filter. Your air filter is intended to catch dust particles and air contaminants, so of course over time your filter will need to be changed as it accumulates dust. A clogged air filter is the most common, and simplest cause, of that frustrating whistle. Luckily, it is easily fixed by changing the filter.
If you are suffering from poorly fitting components or incompatibly fitted ducts, these can cause whistling or whining sounds. Either issue could be due to work being done on your HVAC system over time. Regular wear and tear to your system is inevitable, and once a duct is damaged, air can escape and create that annoying whistling sound.
Rattling
If your air conditioning unit is rattling or sounds like it is shaking, the likely culprit is loose parts. This could mean there is a loose screw or screws in the unit. Any loose component—a duct, AC panel, or even the motor—will cause a lot of rattling. Give us a call and we can find the issue and tighten up any components necessary.
On the other hand, rattling is a sign that the air conditioner itself could have become loose from its concrete mount. This can be dangerous. If you’re a do-it-yourself type, you may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and try and take a screwdriver to the noisy unit. Under no condition should you attempt to stabilize a clanging or rattling air conditioner. These appliances contain hazardous chemicals and use large amounts of electricity. The smart decision is to call in a trained HVAC professional, such as our experts at Wayne Martin & Son Signature Air Conditioning.
Buzzing
A loud buzz is usually an indication that something is wrong with the electrical wiring. If, when you listen to the buzzing noise, you also notice a clicking sound, then your air conditioner is most likely experiencing a system delay or contactor failure. You should never try to solve an electrical or wiring issue with your air conditioner by yourself. This situation must be handled by an air conditioning professional.
Humming
A humming sound often indicates that there is a problem with your air conditioner’s fan. Your fan may just need to be cleaned. Or a humming noise could be a sign that your unit’s fan is wearing out. Even if your fan blades shift a little bit, they may produce a humming sound. You can always contact us at Wayne Martin & Son Signature Air Conditioning to help decipher and fix whatever fan-related issue you’re having.
Squeaking
Is your air conditioner producing a high-pitched squeaking sound? One of our professionals will have to examine the inside of the air conditioner itself and see whether it involves your air compressor or fan motors. An un-lubricated or damaged bearing or belt within the unit will cause the compressor and motor fan to squeak and eventually fail.
When it comes to HVAC repair, listening is fundamental.
The problems with air conditioning units can often be determined by the sounds your unit is making. Generally speaking, air conditioner maintenance issues stem from the following root causes:
- Lack of maintenance
- Poorly designed ventilation and/or duct system
- The unit is too small for the space being cooled, meaning it has to run constantly
- Natural wear and tear due to age
- Poorly repaired in the past
- Damage from weather, vermin, or some other physical cause
Air Conditioning Assessments in Southwest Florida
You know what your air conditioner or HVAC sounds like when it is functioning well. No matter what sound you are hearing, you should have a qualified professional come check to see exactly what is wrong. Sure, some problems like a clogged filter can be fixed at home with a screwdriver. Other air conditioning repairs are complicated and dangerous. At Wayne Martin & Son Signature AC, we’re familiar with all the popular makes and models of air conditioners and HVAC systems. We put that knowledge to work for you, first ensuring the issue isn’t related to your specific type and model of unit, and then by deciding what the best course of action is to quiet down your noisy air conditioning unit. Whatever is causing that strange noise to emanate from your air conditioner, we can help.
Are you ready to find out for yourself why so many homeowners and businesses in Southwest Florida put their trust in us for all their AC repair and installation needs? We’re proud to offer repair, servicing, installation, or annual preventive maintenance to our customers. To find out more, contact our office by calling (239) 462-4068. You can also contact us here on our website. We are proud to serve residents of Fort Myers and the surrounding communities, including Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Alva, and Bonita Springs.