| Are you concerned by the noises coming from your HVAC equipment? There are some noises that can alert you to issues in your heating and cooling equipment while other noises are just a result of day-to-day operation. Sometimes, it can be hard to discern a normal noise from an abnormal noise.
Be aware of the following noises:
Squealing & Screeching
If you hear a squealing or screeching noise, like that of nails on a chalkboard or a metal fork scratching a porcelain plate, it is caused by moving parts of your AC unit wearing out and breaking. It could be that the motor bearings are damaged, which will cause the motor to be off-center - thus the screeching. Another reason could be that your motor needs lubrication. If you attempt to lubricate the motor yourself, make sure to use the correct type of oil, specifically designed for HVAC systems.
Rattling
A rattling sound could mean a few different things. First, it could mean that a part has come loose. If you suspect this may be case, it is best to turn the power off to the system and have a technician out to take care of the problem before it becomes a bigger issue. Second, it could be that the motor is damaged. If the motor appears to be damaged upon a sight inspection, call a professional to replace it. Sometimes the noise could simply be that the panels or doors are loose. Check to ensure that the panels and doors outside your unit are firmly attached. Tighten any loose screws. Lastly, with the power turned off, check to determine if debris, such as twigs or other material is caught in the mechanism.
Thumping
It's normal to hear a thumping noise when your air conditioner powers down, but continuous thumping means something is not working correctly. Thumping can occur inside your house when the filter hits the return grille or when the blower fan has come loose. Thumping can also indicate a broken seal or hole in the ductwork. If you hear thumping from outside, the springs on the compressor may be broken, or the fan is hitting metal. If you hear thumping repeatedly and it's getting louder, it's a good idea to give your Beco technician a call.
Thwapping
If you hear a "thwapping" sound, similar to a playing card on bicycle spokes, something may be stuck in the blower blades or touching the blower from inside the unit. This issue is not severe, but it could cause the motor to wear out more quickly than it should.
Repeated Clicking
Repeated clicking noises can be caused by a few things. One, it could mean there's a problem in the relay process in the thermostat that regulates the air temperature. Two, it could indicate an electrical problem connected to the unit, which causes the relay to stop working properly. Additionally, it could be that the contactor, the connection between the thermostat and the compressor, is damaged and needs to be replaced. These issues should be addressed by a professional.
Buzzing
If there is a persistent buzzing coming from your outside unit, it's a good indicator that there's a refrigerant leak or that your unit is freezing up. Turn off the air conditioner for a few hours and then start it again. If this happens frequently, your system is in need of repair. Additionally, the buzzing could mean that the condenser fan is not working. You will know this is the problem if your inside fan runs and you hear a buzzing noise coming from the outside unit. Buzzing may also indicate an electrical problem somewhere in your system.
Banging
If you hear a loud banging as your unit runs, there is definitely something broken and in need of repair. One possibility is that you may have a damaged piston pin or connecting rod. Banging can also mean you need to replace the compressor. You should stop using the unit until it is repaired or replaced.
Grinding
A grinding sound usually indicates an issue with vital AC parts. It could be damaged blower fan bearings or blades, a damaged compressor valve, or damaged condenser fan bearings.
Dripping
As your AC cools, it pulls moisture from the air and into the drip pan. A dripping sound suggests the condensation, or moisture, isn't draining properly. Most likely you have a clog somewhere in the drain lines.
Whistling
A high-pitched whistling noise suggests something is blocking airflow in your ducts or supply vents. Ensure the vents have enough space to work - with no furniture, dust or debris blocking them. Blockages and improper installation of ducts will decrease airflow, which in turn produces a whistling noise. Contact your Beco technician to inspect your ducts for blockages and proper configuration.
Hissing
When refrigerant leaks into your air handler, it can produce a hissing sound. You should address refrigerant leaks immediately, as refrigerant is harmful to the environment. The service professional mustn't just refill the refrigerant but also find the source of the leak and repair it. In some cases, a refrigerant leak may be located in an area that is unable to be repaired and the leaking part will need to be replaced.
How to Prevent a Noisy System
Regular maintenance will help prevent many of the most common HVAC noises. |
