What Do Those Funny HVAC Noises Mean? | Paschal | NWA

Hearing a rattling, squealing or other unusual noise from your central air conditioner? Have you had an annual HVAC service? Regular maintenance can help avoid problems. Some noises from your system may be normal, but here are some central air conditioner noises you need to have inspected by a professional:

Screeching or Squealing

High pitched sounds can be a sign that there is a problem with the blower motor, belts or motor bearings.  Belts aren’t expensive to replace and need to be inspected immediately because if they fail they can ruin the system.  Sometimes, all the unit needs is lubricant.

Clanking, Thumping, and Rattling

Generally, these sorts of sounds happen because something has come loose and needs to be tightened.  Sometimes it can be the motor mount that is loose or the blower may have become misaligned.  Turn the system off until it can be inspected by a professional.

Tapping

Does it sound like you have something hitting the spokes of a bike?  That may mean there is something on the blower blades that is hitting as they turn.  While not as critical a problem, you probably want to have it checked out.

Clicking and Clacking

Some clicking noise is normal and indicates the central air conditioning unit is turning on and off.  If you’ve had the unit off over the winter, you may have just forgotten this normal noise.  However, if the clicking continues and comes from the control panel or the outside compressor, you may have an electrical control problem.  You probably need to have the electrical system inspected.

Rattling in Outside Unit

Your outside compressor should not rattle.  If it does, that means there is a failing motor or something loose.  You should probably turn off the unit until the unit is serviced.

Professional HVAC Inspection

If you are hearing a noise that doesn’t seem normal, you probably need to call to have your unit inspected as soon as possible.  Your unit may need repair, or the noises may be a sign that your central air conditioner is failing and you need a new system.

Having a regular maintenance contract can often help you keep your central air conditioner running trouble free for a longer time.  For help with repairs, an annual maintenance contract, or help in deciding if you need a new central air conditioner, contact us, the experienced professionals at Paschal today.