Noisy AC? Find Out What Your AC is Trying to Tell You

Hey there, Durham neighbors! At Alternative Aire, we know how important it is to make sure your AC runs smoothly all season long. But sometimes, unexpected issues can still pop up. One of the biggest clues that something’s wrong with your AC? Weird noises. Let’s dive into what those strange sounds might mean and what you should do about them.

Common Warning Noises and Their Causes

1. High-Pitched Squealing

Ever hear a high-pitched squeal from your AC? This could mean a slipped belt or worn bearings. If your AC is older, it’s probably the belt that’s slipped. Newer models without belts might have worn bearings on the condenser fan motor. Either way, you’ll want to get that checked out and fixed pronto.

2. Banging and Clanking

Banging and clanking sounds are never good news. These noises usually mean there’s a broken or loose part rattling around inside your compressor, like a rod or crankshaft. It could also mean your blower is out of balance. If you hear these sounds, call us immediately to avoid a costly compressor replacement.

3. Clicking

Clicking noises are normal when your AC turns on or off, but if the clicking is constant, it could be a sign of a broken thermostat or other electrical issues. Don’t ignore this one—constant clicking needs a professional diagnosis.

4. Buzzing

Buzzing noises coming from your AC can be caused by a number of things: debris in the unit, a loose fan motor, unbalanced fan blades, dirty condenser coils or air filters, or even a refrigerant leak. If you hear buzzing, it’s time to call us for a thorough inspection and cleaning.

5. Screeching

Screeching sounds are serious business. They often mean there’s a refrigerant leak or your compressor is under high internal pressure. If you hear screeching, turn off your unit and call us right away. This isn’t something you want to wait on.

6. Hissing

A hissing noise usually points to a refrigerant leak or a broken valve on the compressor. Both of these issues can cause serious damage to your compressor, so don’t wait—get it fixed ASAP.

7. Mechanical Screeching and Grinding

Mechanical screeching and grinding sounds are typically coming from motors with worn bearings or insufficient lubrication. These noises mean the motor is struggling and needs fast attention to prevent a full motor replacement.

8. Striking or Slapping Sounds

If you hear a striking or slapping sound, it might be a bent fan blade hitting the housing. This needs to be repaired before it causes more damage to your unit.

Importance of Professional Repairs

We know it might be tempting to try and figure out what’s wrong with your AC on your own, but trust us—it’s best to leave it to the pros. Diagnosing and repairing AC issues requires specialized knowledge and tools. Plus, you’ll avoid the risk of causing more damage (and incurring more costs) by trying to fix it yourself.

Worried About Your Noisy AC? Call Our AC Experts!

If you’re hearing any of these noises or just want to make sure your AC is ready for the summer, give us a call at Alternative Aire in Durham, NC. We’re here to help with all your heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and plumbing needs. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance or repair appointment and stay cool all summer long!

For more great tips on keeping your home comfortable and efficient, check out our other blogs: HVAC Maintenance Tips for Durham Homes and Navigating AC Repair Decisions with Expertise and Assurance.

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