13 Jun 2013

Why Does My AC Unit Make Noise?

Cool and  Noise Free AC UnitAtlanta, Georgia – Now that temperatures are rising, homeowners are beginning to turn on their AC units to make their homes more comfortable. But after being off all winter, is your AC unit ready? If you notice any strange noises coming from the unit, it may be time to call for Alpharetta repair services.

“There are a few different sounds an air conditioning unit can make,” says Phil Montgomery, owner of Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning, a company providing cooling service and duct cleaning to Atlanta residents for more than 40 years. “Some sounds require immediate attention so pay close attention to what noises your unit might be making.”

If you hear a chirping type sound from your unit, you probably do not need to worry. This sound could stem from the unit simply needing to warm back up after not being used for a while. Turn your unit on and allow it to run for a few minutes. If the sound goes away or lessens, it probably means there is no cause to worry. If, however, it continues or worsens, call an Alpharetta air conditioning repair expert to check your unit. The noise may be the result of a belt that needs to be replaced.

If the sound you hear is more of a clicking sound, call Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning right away. This is typically caused by a problem with the relay of the system. Homeowners should call an expert to look at the electrical portions of the unit right away to prevent further issues.
If the outdoor fan begins to fail, you may hear more of a squealing sound. And as the compressor begins to go out, the unit may sound like it is making a screeching sound. If you hear either of these noises, turn off your unit immediately and call your licensed technician. A trusted technician will be able to determine if your unit can be salvaged or if you will need a new AC installation.

AC units can make rattling sounds for a number of reasons. Foreign objects, such as sticks and leaves, can get stuck in the outside condenser unit. Homeowners should be sure to keep the outside unit free from debris. It is best to check it on a regular basis to be sure toys, sticks, and other objects are clear of the unit.
A fan that has become loose or a motor that is starting to wear out can also be the source of a rattling noise. A bent fan, loose belt or even a loose panel can also cause rattling sounds.
“Rattling noises don’t necessarily require the homeowner to call their technician right away,” says Montgomery, an AC repair services expert. “However, the rattling noise could be a sign that the unit is beginning to wear out, so homeowners should pay attention to the noise. If it worsens or doesn’t go away, they should call Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning right away to inspect the unit.”

Other sources of excess noise can be a motor that isn’t properly lubricated, bent coil fins, worn bearings, blower blade touching the housing, or loose screws. While some of these noises can signal bigger problems to come, it is always important to remember that if you are concerned about how your unit is running, you should always call your trusted AC repair technicians right away. The technicians at Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning are on call 24 hours a day to help you with all of your AC concerns, including emergencies that happen after regular business hours.

Leave a Reply