Are you hearing weird noises coming out of your air conditioning unit? Have you been experiencing other tell-tale signs of AC malfunction?
If so, then it’s time to check your unit to ensure that there isn’t anything seriously wrong. Otherwise, you could easily find yourself at the wrong end of some irreparable damage, paying through the nose to get your air conditioner replaced.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to troubleshoot an air conditioner making noise.
Read on to find out!
A Squealing Sound
One of the most common sounds that you will hear from your air conditioner unit is a high-pitched squealing. There are different causes for this kind of noise.
The first such cause is a bearing that has gone out. The bearings on the motor that runs your condenser’s fan are susceptible to failure due to the fact that the condenser fan runs so much. When the bearing fails, the motor rubs up against the motor mount. The high-pitch of the subsequent noise is caused by the high frequency of the motor’s rotation.
The other potential cause for the squealing sound could be a slipping belt. Only older air conditioners use belts, so if you have a new unit, don’t bother troubleshooting this. But if you do have an older unit, then check the belt that connects the condenser motor to the blower. If the belt has slipped, then a high-pitched noise will ensue.
If the belt is yet salvageable (no significant tears or cracks in it), then you can just put it back on the right pulley and you’ll be right as rain. Otherwise, you may need to de-tension the pulleys so you can replace the belt.
A Buzzing Sound
The other sound that many homeowners hear from their air conditioning unit is a buzzing noise. If your air conditioner making loud noise is emitting a buzzing, then it could be a whole host of different issues.
Typically, the buzzing will be due to a failed part rattling around in the unit at a high frequency. The part could be merely loose, or it could be broken altogether. Other possible causes are leaking refrigerant and/or a broken compressor.
If you hear a buzzing sound, then you may have to call in a professional technician. These folks are significant experienced with HVAC systems and will be able to implement a solution for you. Save money on air conditioning repairs by choosing the right contractor.
Is Your Air Conditioner Making Noise?
There you have it — if your air conditioner is making noise, you now have at least an approximate idea of what could be causing this sound. You’re hoping for a squealing sound, as a failed bearing or a worn belt is a comparatively easy fix. But if you’re hearing a buzzing coming out of there, then you might as well start budgeting for a contractor repair service.
For more home improvement advice, be sure to check out the rest of the articles on our blog!
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