Why is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?

Technician working on air conditioner

Your Asheville home’s air conditioner is a complex machine. During normal operation, there are several different sounds that come from your system’s various components. Sometimes, however, those sounds can be signs of problems that should be fixed. To better understand if certain sounds are signs of trouble, check out this guide from 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air.

Squealing

A squealing noise often occurs when something in your system needs to be lubricated. If you hear noise coming from the outside, it could be your compressor. If you hear the noise coming from the inside of the unit, there’s a good chance that it’s your blower fan or fan belt. Typically, a squealing noise isn’t a sign of an imminent failure. However, it’s still important to have 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air take a look at your system to avoid system failure.

Rattling

One basic cause of rattling is when debris falls into the outdoor unit and vibrates while the system is operating. Also, when debris falls onto the outdoor unit, it can damage the fan cage. Debris within the fan cage can cause the fan to strike the cage. This will shear off small bits of the fan and damage the cage. Loose panels, a broken motor, and a malfunctioning compressor motor are other potential causes of a rattling noise in your air conditioner.

Cracking

Cracking noises occur most often when there’s a problem with the refrigerant line. If the refrigerant can’t properly evaporate, it could eventually freeze inside the line. Then, as warm air from outside your home contacts the refrigerant line, the refrigerant can begin to thaw, causing a cracking sound. This condition is most often caused by a leak in the refrigerant line.

Diagnosing All of Your Air Conditioner’s Strange Noises

No matter what type of problem you’re having with your air conditioner, 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air is here to help. We can repair, maintain, and install air conditioners and furnaces of all types. We can also install geothermal systems and take care of commercial heating and cooling systems. With countless five-star reviews, people around Asheville trust us with their home repair needs. To learn more about fixing problems with your air conditioner, contact us at 1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air today.