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Grinding, Squealing and Screeching: Interpreting the Noises Your HVAC Makes

If something is failing or going amiss with your HVAC unit, chances are, your HVAC unit is letting you know something is not quite right. However, most of the cues come in the form of sounds that many of us may overlook. If you hear your HVAC unit grinding, squealing, screeching or squeaking, it is letting you know it needs help. I was unaware of these cues and overlooked them. It ended up costing me a lot of money in repairs. I want to make sure that does not happen to other people, so I made this website. I hope you learn how to interpret the noises your HVAC unit is making so you can get it the repairs it needs before you incur a costly repair, or worse, permanently ruin your unit for good.

Grinding, Squealing and Screeching: Interpreting the Noises Your HVAC Makes

4 Unusual Sounds That Indicate You Need Air Conditioning Repair Services

by Billie Carlson

Generally, your AC will generate low-tone sounds when running. However, extremely loud and unusual noises indicate that something is broken down within your system. So, what could be wrong with your air conditioning?

This piece will highlight common AC noises you might notice and help you decide whether to call the technician for an AC repair. 

1. Screeching

Does your air conditioner sound like two or more metals have been grinding against each other? Possible reasons for this are malfunctioning motor bearings. A worn-out belt can also produce this noise as it moves to connect the motor to the fan. A similar squealing sound may indicate that you have a damaged blower fan. 

Failure to fix these potential damages can lead to complete system failure. Therefore, consider calling your HVAC contractor to help you diagnose the issue and provide a solution. The technician might need to replace the fan motor and damaged bearings to restore performance.

2. Hissing

Does it feel like you have a snake living in your air conditioning unit? A hissing sound could mean that you have a refrigerant leak that needs to be investigated. Over time, your refrigerant lines and internal valves wear out, causing leaks. If the hissing sound intensifies, you probably have high compressor pressure issues.

Remember that refrigerant leaks can be harmful to your health. You'll want to schedule an appointment with the technicians to help you fix the issue. Consider shutting down the AC and calling the technician.

3. Banging

There are many potential causes of banging noises in your air conditioner. The first common cause could be the accumulation of dirt particles in your condenser. Professionals recommend cleaning the outside unit to eliminate debris, such as leaves and dirt.

Another issue could be a broken fan motor. It could also indicate you have a malfunctioning compressor. Due to the complexity of the problem, you'll need a technician to inspect the unit and help you determine what to repair or replace.

4. Buzzing

A host of issues could cause the air conditioner to produce buzzing noises. It may indicate a damaged compressor, loose components, a malfunctioning capacitor, a broken-down motor, contactor failure, and loose wiring. If left unaddressed, any of the issues mentioned can trigger a fire or other problems. You should contact the repair contractor for timely AC repair services. Turn off the system to minimize the risk of starting a fire.

Using a faulty air conditioner can put you and your loved ones at risk. Therefore, you need a competent AC contractor to determine the cause of AC noises and rectify it. Timely repairs can save you money, cut energy costs, and keep you safe.

Reach out to an air conditioning repair company for more information.

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