When your home’s A/C is being noisy, you need to listen. A little noise is normal – you’ll typically hear the fan turning on at the beginning of a cooling cycle, and you may hear a quiet hum as cool air moves through your ductwork. But anything loud or unusual means your unit is trying to tell you something. Are you worried about a noisy A/C unit? Heating Specialties of Fairton, N.J., has your answers.
Common noisy A/C culprits
What can be going wrong behind the A/C scenes? Sometimes it can be something that can be quickly fixed, like a loose part. Sometimes the problem requires professional intervention from a trained Heating Specialties HVAC technician. Let’s look at some common causes of A/C noise.
Loose or damaged parts. The moving pieces of your home’s HVAC unit were designed to work together seamlessly. When something gets loose or damaged, you may notice a rattling or vibrating noise. This is one reason why A/C maintenance is so important. During an A/C tune-up, our HVAC technicians will take the time to tighten any loose connections and pinpoint damaged components like fan blades.
Issues with the unit’s fan. The fan is responsible for moving air around your home and keeping it cool even during the hottest South Jersey summer. When the fan unit becomes dirty or misaligned, it can sound louder than it usually does. An older unit’s fan may simply be nearing the end of its lifespan. Or, a faulty electrical connection can make things noisy.
Problems with the fan belt. The unit’s fan belt can become worn or misaligned, causing a squealing or screeching noise. Sometimes you simply need to replace the fan belt to restore the quiet you crave. (Don’t worry – your Heating Specialties HVAC tech is an expert at finding and fixing the issue!)
Ductwork issues. It’s easy to take your ductwork for granted. In most homes, the ductwork is out-of-sight, quietly doing its job to keep the house cool or warm. But leaky ducts or improperly installed ductwork can lead to rattling or whistling noises. These leaks can cost you money, too, because the comfortable air isn’t reaching your living space.
Debris. Dirt, sticks, leaves, or even animals can get into your outdoor A/C unit, blocking airflow and causing the unit to be noisier than usual. Make sure to periodically clear the clutter away from the outside unit. You may be surprised at what can accumulate over the summer.
Refrigerant issues. Refrigerants absorb heat and help your home’s A/C unit keep the air cool at home. A refrigerant leak can cause a hissing noise, while lower levels of refrigerant can force the unit to work harder, sometimes causing other unusual noises.
Clogged or dirty air filters. Your HVAC unit’s air filter is the first line of defense against the dust, dirt, pollen, or other debris that wants to get inside your home. Over time, though, the air filter can become clogged, impeding the airflow and forcing the unit to work harder. Don’t force your home’s A/C unit to take on a harder job than it has to – replace your air filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Electrical issues. Problems with your home’s circuit breaker, the A/C fan motor, or even loose wiring can lead to buzzing, vibrating, or popping noises. Most electrical problems should be addressed by an HVAC professional.
Keep down the noise!
If you notice unusual noise when your home’s A/C is running, let the talented HVAC technicians at Heating Specialties take a look. Some noises can be quieted by tightening a loose connection. Other noises, like a squealing sound, may indicate a problem with the unit’s internal pressure. This is a job for the experts. Remember, timely service can save you money in the long run, especially if it catches a problem before it requires an expensive fix.
If your home’s A/C is making noise, play it safe by calling Heating Specialties now at (866) 923-2653 or schedule an appointment online. A noisy A/C unit is trying to tell you something. Listen up, and stay cool throughout the summer with Heating Specialties!