Wouldn’t it be great if when there was a problem with our air conditioners, we could just get a text message from them telling us what’s up, so we know exactly how to address our AC troubles?
With the way smart technology has evolved in even just the last decade, this is probably less further off than we think. In the meantime though, it’s up to professional HVAC technicians (such as the folks on the AW team!) to diagnose and repair troubles, and it’s up to you, the homeowners, to give us a call when you think something is amiss.
One of the clearest signs that your air conditioner is experiencing trouble is the presence of strange and unfamiliar noises? Curious as to what we mean? Read on!
1) Shrieking
Your air conditioner should never sound like there is a banshee stuck inside. What you’re probably hearing is the indication of a problem with your motor, or at least a sign that the motor bearings are wearing out. The latter is actually a natural part of wear and tear, but still needs to be addressed!
Worn down bears create too much friction on your air handler motor, and as a result can permanently damage your system. Our professionals can accurately and quickly replace these bearings to get your AC back in good shape.
2) Grinding
A grinding sound is another common sign of a motor issue. It can mean that the air handler motor or fan motor has accumulated debris like dust and dirt, or that it has lost too much lubrication over time. This is something our pros check for during maintenance, but it can still occur outside of your tune-ups as well.
If you detect an acrid odor coming from your vents in combination with the grinding noise, it’s a sign that your motor has already started overheating. In this case, you’ll need to turn off your AC right away and give the pros a call.
3) Rattling
Rattling could be indicative of a relatively small problem, such as a loose cabinet door. This is, fortunately, something that could be an easy fix for the average homeowner. On the other hand, it could be a sign of something more serious.
For instance, you might be dealing with loose components that are being knocked around in the blower fan, or you may have bent fan blades. When and if in doubt about why your cooling system is making any particular noise, it’s time to pick up the phone and give us a call!
4) Hissing
While it’s a little more likely to have a snake somewhere in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner than it is to have a banshee, that still probably isn’t what’s going on. Rather, what you’re hearing is probably gas refrigerant leaving the system.
This means you have a refrigerant leak that must be accurately located and repaired. Without repair, it can cause a whole host of problems for your air conditioner, and even eventual breakdown.
Look no further for a quality Toledo AC repair company. Contact AW Heating & Cooling today!