As you turn on your air conditioning unit for the first time this year, you’ll notice the sounds that it makes. It’s been many months since you used the unit, and it’s not always clear what sounds are normal and what sounds aren’t. Some sounds, such as banging and screeching, can indicate that your Rolesville, North Carolina, AC unit requires maintenance.
Banging
A loud banging could mean that one of the mechanical parts of your air conditioning unit is loose. While your unit may still work when some of the parts are loose, it can lead to decreased efficiency. In addition, the loose part could eventually break, leading to costlier repairs. If the banging noise sounds like it’s grinding against another mechanical part, it’s best to turn off the unit and schedule an appointment immediately.
Buzzing
It is not uncommon to hear buzzing noises coming from an AC unit. A buzzing sound could mean you have debris somewhere in the unit, a loose fan motor, or a clogged air filter. If you notice a buzzing sound and your air conditioning is not getting cold, then it’s likely due to a refrigerant leak.
Clicking
You might hear clicking sounds as your unit attempts to activate and deactivate. However, constant clicking could indicate that the electrical controls or your thermostat are not working properly. While clicking doesn’t usually indicate an HVAC emergency, it does mean you should schedule service as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could have a bigger — and more expensive — problem on your hand.
Screeching
A loud screeching noise could indicate many problems within the HVAC unit including a leak or a broken mechanical part. If your unit is making loud, screeching noises, it’s best to turn off the unit and wait for a professional to inspect it further.
It’s not always easy distinguishing which HVAC noises are normal and which ones require service. Call us at Alford Mechanical today at 919-246-5265 to schedule your AC unit tuneup.
Image provided by Shutterstock