Today’s air conditioners operate fairly quietly when keeping your Lafayette, Louisiana, home cool. A clicking sound when the air conditioner turns on and off is normal. However, if you notice these four unusual AC sounds coming from your system, it could be a sign of trouble:
Banging
A banging or clanking sound often indicates that a part is loose or stones or debris are rattling around inside the unit. Turn the AC system off and call an HVAC service technician. If a connecting rod or piston pin in the compressor is loose, you have a serious problem. If you continue to run the air conditioner, the compressor can sustain major damage. As a result, you might need to replace the entire system.
Squealing
A squealing noise that comes and goes is usually related to the fan belt or indoor blower motor. When the blower wheel becomes faulty, it starts to squeal. If the fan belt is misaligned or worn, it’ll make a similar sound. Left unattended, the fan belt will eventually break. Both of these issues require professional AC repairs.
Hissing
The moment you hear a hissing sound, switch off your air conditioner. This indicates that refrigerant is leaking – a problem that needs immediate attention. Refrigerant gas is harmful to the environment and hazardous when inhaled. Your AC unit will also suffer damage once all the refrigerant has run out. You need a professional to fix the leak and recharge the unit with refrigerant.
Screaming
A screaming noise indicates that the internal pressure in the compressor is too high. This is a potentially dangerous situation. Most air conditioners have a built-in sensor that detects high pressure and will automatically shut off the unit. If the sound persists, this means the sensor is malfunctioning. Turn the air conditioner off immediately and call for help.
In the hot Louisiana climate, the last thing you want is a faulty air conditioner. The best way to keep your AC system in tip-top condition is with regular HVAC maintenance. For maintenance and all other repairs, contact Desormeaux’s Heating & Air Conditioning at (337) 282-9091.
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