Everyone likes to be comfortable and your home is at its best when it’s cool and quiet. As the sun beats down, finding refuge inside becomes a necessity. Unfortunately, the high temperatures are doing more than just making it unbearable outside. They cause your cooling unit to run at maximum capacity. What’s worse, you’ve noticed that it’s noisy. There’s practically nothing more annoying and frustrating than being uncomfortable in your own, bothered by incessant noise.
Ways to Fix a Noisy Air Conditioner
Of course, when an air conditioner runs, it emits sounds, and, you’ve probably become accustomed to these and their various nuances. Your ears can tell there’s some sort of problem, and, this might well be backed-up by the temperature on the thermostat. If your unit is making a strange noise, that’s the clue you’ll need to hone in on what’s most likely causing it.
Central air conditioner units are meant to provide cooler temperatures for your home whenever you need it. When they are installed properly they will last for years, but there are also numerous working parts that make up the interior of a conditioner unit. All of these parts are subject to wear and tear over the years. Noises coming from your air conditioner might be something as simple as a loose cover, but you have to be able to differentiate the simple from the complex problems to avoid costly repairs. —San Francisco Chronicle
Fortunately, most units make similar noises due to like problems. In other words, the sound one emits from unit to the next will be much the same, simply because they share the same or nearly the same problem. Take a look at the following noises to help you pinpoint the probable source of the problem:
- Constant running. This ought to be a dead-giveaway something is not right. A unit that just keeps running could mean big time trouble is coming, or, it might indicate one or more of the system’s parts is malfunctioning. This not only causes it to be inefficient, it also runs-up the cost of your utility bill. What’s more, constant running puts a strain on the entire system, which might compromise it. Faulty controls, dirty coils, duct holes and tears, and leaking refrigerant are all problematic.
- Operates at a loud volume. Units which are too loud can either be too large for the space being cooled, or, lack noise suppression technology. Have a professional technician evaluate the unit for its appropriateness. If it’s too large, chances are it’s wasting energy.
- Whining or whistling sounds. These signs are generally due to motor fan speed, leaking ductwork, clogged filters, or inadequate ventilation design. Such conditions are usually an easy fix, but become more costly over time.
- Shaking and rattling. Such noises could be due to an unstable unit, worn fan motor bearings, or damaged fan motor blades. These sounds can also be caused by loose objects bouncing around in the ductwork.
Annoying squeaking and squealing sounds are other common noises due to lack of oil viscosity or failing belt(s). Simply put, the unit needs to be regularly oiled and fan belt(s) replaced in order to function properly.
