There are few things that feel worse than detecting a problem in your AC by hearing a strange or loud noise. Noises can not only interrupt what we were doing before, but they can lead us to stress out over whether or not our air conditioners in Reno, NV are working properly or even safely.
Well, the good news is that your AC isn’t likely doing anything harmful or unsafe. AC systems use refrigerant and electricity, so there’s no need to worry about things like carbon monoxide or other safety hazards. But the system is likely in trouble and needs professional support.
For any and all uncomfortable or loud air conditioner sounds, make sure you call our team for help. But in this blog post, we’re going to focus on three common noises and what they usually mean. With this information, hopefully, you’ll understand just how important repairs can be!
Noises That Signal Problems
We want to be clear that any noise that causes discomfort or is loud enough to hear and notice is usually going to be coming from a problem inside the AC. These noises are just common examples that we see very often, but they’re not the only sounds your system can make! Our team can help you sort the difference by providing an accurate diagnosis and repairing the issue quickly.
Grinding
Grinding can be one of the most alarming sounds to hear coming from a machine–and for good reason! A grinding air conditioner usually has something seriously wrong with the compressor, which is the most expensive component of the whole system. This can be anything from two components rubbing up on each other and causing tremendous amounts of friction, or another component in the system failing and causing it to overcompensate. Basically, shut your system off right away and call for support if you hear this noise.
Hissing and Bubbling
Hissing and bubbling are fairly common, but they should never be ignored! These sounds indicate that a system is leaking refrigerant. Here’s what each noise represents:
- The hissing sound is the gaseous refrigerant escaping from the line. This can sound like any gas leak, since half of the refrigerant in your air conditioner is a gas.
- The bubbling is actually the sound of air bubbles forming in your liquid refrigerant line. This is from leaking refrigerant as well.
Don’t hesitate to call our team to have this issue fixed.
Rattling or Clanking
Rattling or clanking can be the sound of a component that’s either broken or that’s come loose. Rattling is usually associated with smaller components like screws or washers, while clanking can be a larger component that’s come loose or is not tightly secured, rubbing up and banging against its housing.
The truth is that none of these sounds are good and they can even compound into worse problems. Think about it, that loose component is going to bump into another component and potentially knock it off balance. Over time, this can lead to a system breakdown or more expensive repairs, so make sure you get it fixed by a pro!
DeHart Plumbing, Heating, & Air has your back. Contact us for reliable AC repairs today!