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During the summer months, temperatures can be unbearable, especially if your AC unit is not working properly. However, nothing ruins a beautiful and relaxing summer day faster than a noisy AC unit. With advancements in technology, today’s air conditioning units use sound-dampening technology to run at a whisper-quiet level. Therefore, if you notice any sound coming from your unit, it could mean it’s not running as required or needs professional service. Below are sounds you should listen out for and what they mean:

A buzzing sound

If you hear a buzzing sound from an outside air conditioner, it means there is something wrong. Things that could be causing these sounds include a loose part in the AC that requires tightening, your air filter requires replacement, or there is a blocked condenser that needs to be cleaned. Check all these things properly; if you still get a buzzing sound, you may contact Richardson AC repair as they have many experts.

A banging sound

This sound is more severe than the buzzing sound. A banging sound is often a sign of a severe issue that requires urgent professional attention. It indicates that there is a part that is unbalanced or loose, thus the banging sound. The parts inside the unit are knocking into one another. Addressing this issue immediately will reduce the chances of causing severe damage, thus reducing a severe breakdown.

A humming sound

This sound is a sign of a mechanical or electrical failure. Both cases require urgent professional attention. A humming sound could be caused by a fan motor that is seized up, an overloaded circuit breaker, or a loose wiring problem. All these problems are easy to repair.

A squealing sound

Squealing occurs mostly after an AC unit has been inactive for a long time and then subjected to cold weather elements like ice. Both direct-drive and belt-driven units may experience such seasonal damages. Worn bearings in fan motors and slipping worn belts can result in high-pitched squealing noises in your unit. For some units, this is often a typical sound when they are starting. However, you should be able to identify if this sound is a result of damage.

A clanking sound

Clanking is often an indicator of an out-of-balance or loose part in the unit. The parts inside the unit may have failed, or the compressor may have become loose and in need of a replacement. This sound can also indicate that the outdoor fan’s blades or the indoor blower are out of balance and are knocking on other parts inside the unit. A clanking sound should not be ignored.

A chattering or rattling sound

A chattering sound could mean that your Air conditioner is starting to wear out and deteriorate- some of its parts are becoming loose. Another cause of rattling sound could be from leaves and twigs that have clogged in the unit. The electric contractor could also be a reason for this sound. This may cause significant damage to other components inside the unit, such as the compressor, if not addressed urgently. The fan can also rattle if it’s loose. When you hear a chattering sound, the first thing to do is loose bolts or screws in the AC’s casting, change your air filters, or clean the condenser coils.

At-Home AC Repair Tips

Repairing your air conditioning unit can be very costly. While there are instances that calling in a professional for the repair is inevitable, it’s also essential to understand how to troubleshoot your system first before resulting in expensive repairs. Most times, the problem is something you can quickly fix by yourself. In case your unit is not working, it could be due to some simple issues that can easily fix without paying professional hundreds of dollars to do it for you. Below are five tips you can try if your unit is not working:

Examine the thermostat

This is a component of your unit that could cause you many stress and hundreds of dollars. If the unit is battery operated, try replacing the batteries. Ensure the thermostat is set for temperature just below room temperature and ensure the unit is turned on.

Check the breaker

If your air conditioner does not power on, the breaker could be the problem. If you have some appliances and lights on the same breaker, they could result in a trip causing the AC to stop operating. A quick breaker check could save you frustration, hundreds of dollars, and even embarrassment.

Change your indoor air filters

Regularly changing your air filter could help you avoid costly repairs. If the filter is clogged with dust and debris, it can cause efficiency problems with your system. In some cases, dirty and clogged filters could lead to icing up of the system. Ensure you regularly clean and change your filters.

Clean the system

Sometimes your system is not faulty; it’s just dirty and in need of a good cleaning. Clean your fan blades carefully and wipe off any debris and dirt inside and near the unit. Clean the condenser fins as well. However, be very cautious when cleaning the fins and blades- they are fragile and could easily break or bend. Also, ensure the unit is off when you are cleaning it.

Check the ducts

If you are comfortable climbing into your attic, examine the ducts to confirm that air is coming out of them as it should. If they are too dirty or clogged and are blocking air from passing through, you need to clean them. Airflow blockage may be due to a register being accidentally closed. A cursory check will confirm if the air is flowing through the ducts.

The above are five simple steps you could take to ensure that your air conditioner is effectively operating. They could also save you some dollars. However, some repairs can only be handled by a professional. Problems such as electrical repairs and adding Freon should only be handled by a professional. Don’t hesitate to call a professional