One of the most perplexing problems a homeowner can experience is odd A/C noises. Detecting the cause of the problem can be difficult without experience or mechanical knowledge of how an air conditioner works. To complicate the issue, many sounds an air conditioner can make actually indicate a problem that is dangerous for an untrained individual to fix.
Loose Components
One of the most common noises for A/C systems to make is a vibrating sound. This is often caused by loose parts including panels, anchor bolts or even screws in the equipment. Call a technician out to perform maintenance in these cases.
Lubrication
Fans or motors in need of lubrication often cause humming or grinding sounds. They have internal components called bearings, which can begin to rub and wear down without proper maintenance. If you hear either of these sounds, you should enlist the aid of a certified technician, unless you think you can address the situation yourself.
Electrical Components
Faulty electrical components are another source of A/C noises. If your equipment is hesitating or failing on start-up, it’s likely due to a capacitor failure. These devices hold a large charge of electricity and should never be repaired or replaced by anyone without training and knowledge of the dangers.
Vent Obstruction
Vent obstructions can make a wide range of noises, but the most common is a whistling sound. It may also just make the A/C generally louder during operation due to the motor having to work harder. If you notice dust or leaves clogging the intake fins on the sides of your outside A/C unit, you can try cleaning them off with a toothbrush and a vacuum cleaner. If you notice dirt or dust buildup on the internal components, you should not try to clean them yourself.
If you are uncertain about what’s making your A/C noises or if you have any other home comfort related problems, please contact a proven service provider in Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We have 40 years of experience diagnosing and repairing HVAC systems in the Twin Cities Metro Area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C noises and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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