5 Strange Sounds Your Air Conditioner May Make and What That Mean

When you leave your air conditioner running all day, strange noises can pop up when you’re not home. These may seem innocuous, but they can indicate more significant problems that could become more serious over time if left unchecked. If you hear these sounds coming from your AC unit, contact the HVAC company you hired as soon as possible to remedy the situation before it gets out of hand. Here are five weird noises that mean big trouble for your AC system, so listen carefully and get them checked out right away.

Strange Sound #1 – A thumping sound when your AC is on

There may be something loose inside your air conditioner making a rattling noise. Such as the fan may have fallen off its shaft or has come loose from its housing. Inspect the outdoor unit to find the offending article and remove it. If you don’t see any visible damage and the noise isn’t coming from outside, there might be a loose piece somewhere in the system, or the compressor could malfunction. If the noise is coming from inside, it might be coming from the air handler. These problems likely stem from a loose screw or wobbly supply air fan. Again, don’t ignore it—you could end up with more than just an annoying noise! Problems like these should be handled by a professional HVAC technician immediately as they may only get worse from here. 

Strange Sound #2 – The sound of water dripping from your air conditioner

If you hear water dripping from your air conditioner, it could signify that it’s time to replace your air filter. Dirty filters can lead to moisture building up in your unit, damaging your system over time. When you notice water on or around your AC unit, replace that filter as soon as possible.

Strange Sound #3 – A high-pitched squealing when your AC kicks in

This is most likely a loose fan belt. It should be tightened immediately to avoid further damage, leading to compressor damage. Before you do anything else, please turn off your air conditioner, so it doesn’t cause more damage while you’re working on it. The good news is that loose belts are a relatively easy fix. If it happens again in a few weeks or months, you might have other issues inside your unit.

Strange Sound #4 – An increase in odd sounds when the humidity gets higher

It could mean your air conditioner is low on refrigerant. This can be dangerous to you and your AC unit, so call a professional if you notice it. This is usually a sign that your air conditioner’s refrigerant system leaks. Refrigerant systems are prone to leaks over time, especially in units older than ten years. And once refrigerant starts to leak, strange sounds can develop due to improperly cooled parts. To fix a refrigerant leak, contact a professional AC repair service. (Note: If you smell something burning, it’s time to get out of your house immediately; have your system inspected right away.)

Strange Sound #5 – A rattling sound when the air starts blowing out cool air

Rattling noises are usually a sign that small parts inside your air conditioner fail. Often, these sounds will go away once your air conditioner is fully operating. However, it’s always best to call a professional to perform an inspection of your unit before you start using it again. A rattling sound from your AC may indicate more significant problems like worn belts or damaged fans; (refer to strange sound #1). If left unchecked, these problems may cause severe damage to other parts of your AC.

What’s Next?

If your air conditioning system is making weird noises this summer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, contact us to investigate, and we will be happy to fix the problem. We employ only the best professional technicians for air conditioning installation and repair.

Phone – (214) 934-6728
Website – tophvac.net