We all know someone who says that your AC should be louder on a muggy day because it’s “working harder,” or that the grinding noise is just how the unit “warms up.” Take our word for it, these claims are not sound. Who would you rather listen to, your neighbor or a technician who has at least five years of experience in the field of HVAC repair?
Air conditioners are built to be quiet. The only sound you should be hearing from a fully functioning air conditioner is the slight sound of a cool breeze and the hum of the fans. When your car makes a strange noise, do you assume it’s normal? Just because your HVAC unit doesn’t have a check engine light, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be vigilant! So, let’s take this opportunity to discuss what exactly to do if you do hear your air conditioner making noises.
Before We Get Started
Keep in mind that no matter what noise is coming from your HVAC, it’s always a great idea to contact one of our technicians to find out. These noises could mean a multitude of different things, and a pair of untrained hands could make the situation worse!
That being said, what kinds of noises are we talking about?
Grinding
Grinding is usually the sound of a machine that has not been oiled or maintained in a long time. Your air conditioner contains a motor, as well as a fan, which creates friction as it moves the air throughout your house. This is where a set of oiled ball bearings keep the system lubricated enough to function smoothly and quietly. These bearings wear down over time and lead to a painful grinding noise. This could eventually amount to your AC unit burning out.
Hissing and Bubbling
This is a fairly normal noise… right?
Nope! Your air conditioner has an airtight refrigerant line that it uses to cool down your home. A bubbling or hissing sound is a clue that there is air located in this refrigerant line. This could mean that there is a leak, and your air conditioner is losing fluid. Air conditioners are not meant to lose refrigerant, it should be recycled through the system. AC refrigerant often escapes your system as a gas and can be bad news for both the environment and your wallet.
But It Still Works!
Look, we get it. If it’s still blowing cool air into your house while making these noises, why bother?
Air conditioners are meant to last 10-15 years. Just like any other appliance, they’re complicated machines that require inspection, repair, and maintenance to make sure they’re worth the initial investment. If your HVAC is experiencing these noises, the lifespan could be drastically reduced and you could find yourself without AC on the hottest day of the year. It’s never a bad idea to contact a skilled professional and schedule a maintenance appointment with your noisy unit.
Contact Ambient Comfort for reliable AC repair in Mount Laurel, NJ.