Did you know that 17% of a typical household’s energy bills go toward air conditioning use alone?
However, if you live in Texas, this can be even higher. Texas is now considered the hottest state in the entire country. In 2018, for instance, many parts of the Lone Star State had temps reaching almost 120 degrees.
Between staying indoors and turning down your thermostat, all those super-hot days and very warm nights have likely forced you to rely more on your air conditioner.
This increased use places more strain on your cooling system, which can lead to an AC making a louder noise than usual and a decline in cooling performance.
If your AC makes a noise that you’ve never heard before, it’s likely due to one or more of the reasons listed below. Your air conditioner should operate quietly, and a noisy unit is cause for concern. If you need assistance determining the cause of the malfunction, don’t hesitate to contact McWilliams Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing.
1. An AC Making Noise Often Signals Loose Parts
Loud humming or buzzing AC sounds are often caused by loose parts, such as nuts, bolts, and screws. The fan blades may have also become loose or out-of-balance. A detached panel may also be a culprit.
Have these parts tightened ASAP; otherwise, they may end up completely detached. A loose panel, for instance, introduces more contaminants into your system, which can then lead to your AC accumulating dust and debris faster.
Keep in mind that dirt build-up is one of the top causes of inefficiency in air conditioners. These contaminants can also mix with the air that your AC circulates into your home, reducing your home’s indoor air quality. This can lead to health problems, especially for individuals with allergies or asthma.
2. Completely Dislodged Parts
An air conditioner making loud noises, such as banging, indicates dislodged parts. Your air conditioner’s fan, for instance, can strew around a fallen nut or bolt. The sound comes from the impact of the detached part hitting the blades of the AC fan. If you notice loud banging noises, we advise you to call a professional right away before the unit is damaged further.
3. Foreign Objects Inside the AC
An air conditioner making rattling noises may signal foreign objects inside the unit. These can also damage the fan blades, which may then lead to squealing noises from the AC.
4. Excessive Friction
Lubrication keeps all the moving parts in your AC from overheating. If these parts “run dry,” it will result in the air conditioner squealing, squeaking, or even wailing. The longer these parts are under excessive friction, the higher their odds of early breakdown.
5. Refrigerant Leak
A more dangerous cause of buzzing from the AC is leaking refrigerant. In this case, you should get in touch with an HVAC repair technician ASAP. Refrigerants are toxic substances, and even minor exposure can cause breathing issues.
If your AC still uses R-22 refrigerant, know that this substance has already been phased out. You can still have it recharged but expect the cost to be significantly higher. It may be best to get your entire AC replaced instead.
Have an HVAC Technician Check Your Noisy AC ASAP
There you have it, the top five possible culprits behind an AC making noise. If you notice any of these weird sounds, don’t delay scheduling an AC inspection. This will allow an HVAC technician to pinpoint and fix the root cause of those noises ASAP. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage or even the need for a system replacement.
Ready to make those awful AC noises disappear? Our team at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing is here to help! Get in touch with us now and we’ll be happy to diagnose and fix your noisy AC.
