Unusual sounds from your air conditioner are mechanical distress signals. Learning what different sounds mean helps you prevent catastrophic equipment failure.
Unusual sounds from your air conditioner are mechanical distress signals. Learning what different sounds mean helps you prevent catastrophic equipment failure.
Safety note: Metal-on-metal screeching or loud repetitive banging warrants immediate shutdown to prevent fan blade or compressor destruction.
In residential split systems, screeching usually indicates dry or worn sleeve bearings in the outdoor condenser fan motor or indoor blower motor. In commercial units, it often indicates a loose or dry fan drive belt.
A loud clanking sound inside the compressor indicates broken internal mounting springs, loose connecting rods, or a fractured piston/scroll assembly. In the fan section, it may mean a fan blade has struck an obstruction.
A loud 60Hz hum typically means a failed run capacitor is trying to send power to a motor that cannot start, or an electrical contactor relay coil is chattering due to low voltage.
A persistent hissing while running suggests a high-pressure refrigerant leak through a cracked braze joint or internal expansion valve failure.
A single click from the thermostat and one click from the outdoor contactor closing is completely normal. Rapid, continuous clicking without the unit turning on indicates an electrical relay fault or low-voltage short.
Most modern residential fan motors have permanently sealed ball bearings and cannot be oiled. If bearings are squealing, the motor has exceeded its service life and should be professionally replaced.
Call (833) 889-1258 to connect with a cooling specialist.
Call (833) 889-1258