Your air conditioner should be a fairly quiet home comfort system. Other than the sound of it turning off and on, the steady flow of air from the vents, and the occasional noise involved with its startup and shutdown, your AC shouldn’t make many other noises.
That’s why an unusual, loud, or consistent noise is something that should be addressed promptly. These sounds can include whistling, hissing, clicking, buzzing, or shrieking. The problem could be something as simple as a loose part to a more serious issue such as a refrigerant leak. But your AC is letting you know it needs air conditioning repair in Colorado Springs.
1. Whistling or Hissing
Your AC can make a whistling or hissing sound for the same reasons a human can: by pushing air through a tiny opening. A hissing or whistling sound that only lasts for a few seconds isn’t a problem. For example, a hissing sound could be caused by the refrigerant gas in the expansion valve.
But a persistent hissing or whistling sound could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak is a common issue with air conditioners and can happen at multiple places such as along the refrigerant lines or in the internal valve.
Leaky internal valves will get worse if not fixed promptly and the hissing noise will become more noticeable and go on for longer. A refrigerant leak should be fixed as soon as possible. Not only is it hazardous to breathe in leaking refrigerant, but you’ll also notice your AC isn’t working properly.
2. Clicking Noises
Just like with whistling noises, hearing clicking noises is normal when it happens at system startup and shutdown. It’s when the noise is continuous that it’s an indication of a potentially serious issue. This sound could be something as simple as a defective electrical component such as the thermostat’s inability to connect with the air conditioner.
Clicking also occurs as a result of “hard starting” or when the AC is having a hard time powering up the compressor. The compressor is responsible for powering the system and needs to be addressed ASAP.
3. Buzzing Sounds
No, you don’t have a beehive in your home. Buzzing sounds from an AC almost always indicate an electrical problem. Buzzing sounds can occur when the electricity “jumps” between circuitry, also called electrical arcing.
What’s bad about buzzing sounds is that your AC may be working just fine. However, whenever problems with electricity and circuits are involved, that poses the potential risk of a house fire. That’s why it’s essential to have a buzzing noise addressed immediately. Letting buzzing noises continue could also result in major damage to your air conditioning system.
Don’t take any risks. Turn off your air conditioner and call us If you’ve noticed buzzing coming from your outdoor unit and call us ASAP for prompt repairs.
Don’t let the weather get you down, call Brown’s! Brown’s Heating & Cooling is your trusted resource for quality air conditioning repairs. Contact us today!