It’s troubling to hear a noise emanating from your air conditioner, especially if it’s a sound that you’ve never heard before. While the gentle hum of a healthy HVAC system is normal, many other noises are not. If you hear any of these sounds coming from the air conditioner, have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

3 Noises Your Air Conditioner Might Make

1. Screeching

If you notice the air conditioner produces a noise similar to metal scratching against metal, it may be indicative of an issue with the fan motor bearing or the belts inside. Either part should be replaced if it’s defective. In general, it’s best to avoid running the HVAC system if you notice this noise; it’s loud enough to disturb the neighbors and can make the unit work harder the necessary to cool your home.

2. Hissing

Hissing noises are likely to emanate from the system if there’s a problem somewhere in the ductwork. Usually, this sound means an opening has formed, such as a torn piece of material or seals that weakened over time; the noise is simply air escaping from that opening. Unfortunately, applying caulking to the seals is not the solution; an HVAC repair technician will need to first determine what caused the ducts to break in the first place and may need to replace them.

3. Rattling

When the air conditioner rattles, it usually means there is a loose part somewhere inside the unit. It may be a small piece, like a screw, or one of the fan blades. You don’t want to risk losing the part completely, so it’s essential to turn the system off and contact a professional. Rattling can also occur if there’s a piece of debris interacting with the unit, like a twig or a branch. These elements can damage the system’s vital components, so act quickly if you hear something unusual.

Are you concerned about an unusual noise coming from your air conditioner? To prevent more serious problems, get in touch with the HVAC repair experts at Ron Hammes Refrigeration in La Crosse, WI. Offering both residential and commercial services, they’re committed to resolving the problem so that you can enjoy clean, healthy, and reliable indoor air year-round. Visit them online for more information about their heating and cooling solutions, or call (608) 788-3110 to schedule an appointment today.