Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Grinding and Clicking Noises?
As any homeowner will appreciate, there is nothing more important with regards to the operations of an HVAC system than have it functioning perfectly well and, therefore, efficiently. For starters, an efficient AC system performs its function as it was designed to and within the limits of its various components. This means that the system will last long, serving homeowner for longer. Importantly though, an efficiently running HVAC system uses only the energy needed to run it. It does not waste energy, which goes a long way in negating wastage of money by overpowering the system due to loss of conditioned air.
However, just as it is with any other kind appliance, you can expect your system to experience breakdowns and failures. These failures should be rectified at the earliest opportunity to ensure that you enjoy the above benefits of an efficiently operating system. To this end, you should use the various noises emanating from the system to gain an understanding of what is going wrong in the system and get your air conditioner repaired promptly.
Let’s explore the various sounds that your air conditioner may make and what it each noise may mean.
Clicking Noises
It is typical for any HVAC system to produce soft clicking sounds that coincide with the system turning on and turning off. Additionally, the noise may be generated by the heating unit turning on and off. Such clicking noises are logical and essentially indicate that your system is working correctly.
However, when you hear illogical clicking sounds, such as when repeated clicking sounds when your HVAC system is running or random and repeated clicking sounds when the system is turned off, it may indicate that the electrical units controlling the system may be faulty. Do not such faults are better rectified by trained and experienced professionals.
Hissing/ Wheezing/ Whistling Noises
A typical ductwork system comprises of sheet metal ducts, pipes, dampers, and even sealants. All the elements that comprise the system are susceptible to becoming loose, thereby providing the airflow a means of escaping from the ductwork. Therefore, when you hear a hissing sound emanating from the wall near the HVAC ductwork, there is a high probability that the ducts are leaking air. This means that you are losing conditioned air into the wall, thereby wasting money. You also overwork your system to compensate for the lost air.
Another source of the kinds of sound is the air filter. If you have replaced your air filter recently with a new one and you start to hear a hissing air whizzing sound, chances are your air filter does not fit well in the filter system. As such, it lets some air escape above and over the screen without going through the filter.
Rattling Sound
This sound could mean a few things have occurred. When it happens in the ductwork system, it is an indication that a loose pipe is hitting other ductwork components, thus creating the rattling sound. However, other sources of internal rattling sounds may come from the furnace system.
On the other hand, if the rattling sound emanates from the outside components, you might want to check the exterior parts. While these components are shielded from the elements and debris, they are still susceptible to small-size debris interference. When small twigs and leaves embed themselves in the system, they may affect how the fan, the compressor, and the condenser coils are working, therefore producing the rattling sound.
Clanking/Knocking Sounds
Clanking sounds is always a red flag. No clanking sound can be attributed to the smooth running of an HVAC system. In most cases, clanking sound emanates from damaged and or loose parts and components hitting and rubbing against other components during operations.
While this kind of sound is not as common as sounds, it presents the biggest danger to eh entire HVCA system. Owing to the seriousness of this sound, whenever it occurs, your number one priority should be to switch the system off and call in professionals to troubleshoot the system and get to the bottom of the problems.
Thwap Sounds
This kind of noise in quick successions when the HVCA system is running. It also has regular pace. It is an indication of some debris being trapped in the blower fan on the blade or the housing.
Other HVCA sounds that should make you concerned include squeaks during shutdown or even during startup, thumps sounds in the ductwork, bubbling and glugging sounds, and excessive popping and cracking sounds.
Avoid Weird HVAC Breakdowns And Associated Weird Sounds Through Regular System Maintenance
With this discussion, you might already know that when weird sounds are coming from your HVAC system, it is already broken and needs repairs. There is no question about the necessity of emergency AC repairs when a system is producing certain sounds. However, they can be quite expensive and an inconvenience that you can do without.
To this end, you should consider having scheduled maintenance. Scheduled maintenance is vital due to:
- Reduced emergency repairs
- Increase HVAC efficiency
- Improved system longevity
- Improved and assured safety, and much more.
- However, the most critical benefit of scheduled maintenance is it saves you money in the long run.
While having a robust regular maintenance schedule in place will do wonders for your HVAC’s efficient is essential for the reasons mentioned above, equally important is to contract high-quality HVAC specialists. For the sake of your HVAC and to get the highest bang for your buck, you need only recruit certified AC repair tech, like us. Our team members are specially trained, experienced, and well-equipped to handle any of the problems that produce weird sounds in your HVAC system. Importantly we focus on rendering high-quality AC repair services with a focus on high-quality workmanship.
Icon Mechanical will get to the root of the problem and solve it. Alternatively, we offer high-quality scheduled maintenance services that are aimed at improving the efficiency and life of your HVAC system.