The summer weather tends to be hot and humid in the Sebastian, FL area, and you need your air conditioner running smoothly. Unfortunately, AC problems are common and unpredictable. Even if you consistently take excellent care of your cooling system, you may encounter an unexpected equipment issue at any time. When this occurs, recognizing the warning signs promptly can make the difference between sweltering in the summer heat and relaxing in a cool, comfortable home. By being proactive about getting the appliance the professional attention it needs, you can schedule AC repairs early and save quite a bit of money and hassle down the road.
When your air conditioner is healthy, it will typically run quietly. However, several equipment problems can cause an AC unit to start making loud noises during operation. Here, we’ll examine a few of the most common sounds you may hear from your air conditioner and what they could indicate.
1. Banging Noises
If your air conditioner makes loud banging noises while running, the unit’s compressor could be to blame. The compressor has the important role of distributing refrigerant, which is an essential step in the cooling process. Often, a banging sound can be caused by a part becoming unfastened inside the compressor and colliding with its exterior framing. When this occurs, you may need to have your air conditioner’s compressor repaired or replaced by professional technicians. If your AC unit is more than 10 or 15 years old, though, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new cooling system. Our technicians at Family Heating and Air, Inc will inspect your air conditioner and determine the best action.
2. Humming Noise
When your AC unit makes an unusual humming noise, you might have a problem with the system’s contactor relay switch. This component receives a signal from your thermostat, which prompts it to start up the outdoor condenser unit. When the contactor relay switch malfunctions, your air conditioner won’t be able to run at all. Because this issue is electrical, you should not try to operate the appliance until you’ve had it repaired by a trained HVAC professional. Our technicians at Family Heating and Air, Inc will be able to replace your contactor relay switch, which should restore the system’s function and eliminate the humming sound.
3. Clicking Noise
If your air conditioner is making a clicking noise, consider when the noise is occurring. At the start or finish of a cooling cycle, it’s normal to hear a clicking coming from your AC unit. However, if the clicking noise is constant or occurs in the middle of a cycle, your thermostat could be to blame. Typically, when a thermostat is malfunctioning, the best course of action is to have it removed and replaced by an HVAC technician.
4. Buzzing Noise
A loud buzzing sound coming from your AC unit could be a warning of several potential equipment problems. Most commonly, this type of noise indicates that the fan blades in your outdoor condenser unit have become loose or unbalanced. The condenser coils could also be dirty or the outdoor fan motor may be malfunctioning. The most serious issue that could be causing a buzzing noise is a refrigerant leak somewhere within your air conditioner. Generally, you will need an experienced HVAC technician to evaluate your system and diagnose the source of the buzzing. If you hear this noise, shut off your AC unit and contact a pro as soon as possible.
5. Rattling Noise
Although a rattling AC unit isn’t usually indicative of a serious problem, you should not ignore it. The minor issues that trigger rattling, including loose sticks, leaves, and other debris caught in the condenser unit, can cause more serious problems when left unaddressed. While the problem is typically not serious, only a trained professional should disassemble the unit and remove the source of the rattling.
In some cases, a loose component might be to blame for that rattling noise. To remedy this, an HVAC technician will need to thoroughly inspect the system to find and tighten or replace the loose part.
Trusted Sebastian HVAC Professionals
Since 2016, we at Family Heating and Air, Inc have provided Sebastian residents with top-tier home comfort services. Our motto is “Let us treat you like family.” We prioritize building lasting relationships with our customers. You can always count on our skilled team for all your heating and air conditioning needs, including maintenance, repairs, and installation. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us at Family Heating and Air, Inc today.
