Is your AC making strange noises lately? You might lie awake at night wondering about the spooky sounds emanating from your vents. The sudden din as your unit starts might startle you if you work from home.
As Sapulpa’s leading AC repair contractor, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is here to diagnose the problem producing these sounds. We understand what every buzz, rattle, and squeak means, so we translated your HVAC system’s language below.
Popping or Snapping
Unfortunately, pops and snaps don’t necessarily mean a bowlful of milk-soaked Rice Krispies. While the two noises sound similar, they often mean two different problems. Popping might mean fan motor issues. Fan motors draw in and direct conditioned air into the ductwork. The tell-tale popping noises might come from loose or bent fan blades or electrical misfires.
Ductwork issues might manifest as snapping sounds. Duct networks consist of metallic panels and joints that typically stay silent throughout each cycle. When these components loosen, they might shift and snap from air pressure changes.
Rattling
Loose parts often rattle around, regardless of the appliance. The volume generally depends on the component’s size and level of instability. The condenser is one of the most common culprits since it contains numerous smaller parts that can loosen up over time.
You might detect a slapping sound rather than a rattle. The fan belt can snap or loosen, allowing the leftover slack to smack against any nearby surfaces with each turn.
Squealing and Shrieking
Your HVAC system uses refrigerant to absorb and release heat from your home. The compressor aids this process by compressing the substance. It also communicates its pressure levels to the rest of the system.
This component will signal for the air conditioner to cease operations if the pressure is too high. Some compressor problems cause the sensor to stop working, allowing pressure levels to soar to dangerous heights. As a result, your compressor might emit high-pitched shrieking or squealing noises.
Clicking or Tapping
Is your AC making strange noises like soft taps or clicks? It might just make this sound when electrical currents begin and end before or after each cycle. But you should only hear these noises once.
Repeating taps might warn you of a failing contactor. The contactor moves electricity to other system parts, such as the condenser fan and the compressor. When electricity moves through a contactor, it might click as it contacts other wires. Continuous taps might mean the electricity fails to make sufficient contact.
Hissing or Buzzing
Buzzes and hisses are two sounds that can also eerily resemble one another if you aren’t sure what causes the noise. An HVAC system that consistently hisses might have sprung a refrigerant leak. You might hear this noise more clearly outdoors near the outside unit.
Debris in the unit can make the equipment buzz. Sticks, dead grass, and leaves get stuck in the unit grates, significantly inhibiting airflow. The equipment might suck small material pieces into its gills. When it operates, it vibrates and causes the loose debris to buzz softly.
Banging or Clanging
Clangs, bangs, and other loud noises indicate an essential component might fail in the near future. Not only do loose components make this racket, but the parts in question are typically essential and expensive. Your blower motor might be on its last leg, or another piece could fall completely out of place at any moment.
Shut your HVAC system down and contact technicians in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, immediately. Your chosen provider should offer emergency services since perfectly functioning HVAC systems are integral to health and comfort.
You Can Prevent Distracting Noises From Interrupting Your Day
Consistent HVAC maintenance ensures all systems work harmoniously. That way, the noises described above won’t give you random jump scares as you go about your day. Plus, noises and other air conditioning concerns can mean bigger issues that might threaten your health and safety.
If healthcare facilities and other medical settings prioritize their HVAC systems’ performance, you should too. Change your air filters and keep vent openings free of obstacles. Don’t forget to schedule professional maintenance annually in the spring.
When Your AC Makes a Strange Noise, It Needs Help From Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric in Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Is your AC making strange noises you don’t understand? Give us a call. Our team at Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, excels at AC installation, repair, and maintenance. Let us diagnose the problem with a comprehensive HVAC inspection. Learn more now.
