Top Reasons Your AC Might Be Making Strange Noises in Goodlettsville, Tennessee

Here in Goodlettsville, where summer temperatures routinely shoot to well over 90 degrees, your air conditioner probably gets daily use. On a scorching day, you turn on the system, and it makes a loud, disturbing noise in response. Why is your AC making strange noises, and what can you do about it?

Below, learn why your air conditioner is making a racket, then call us for AC repair in Goodlettsville, TN.

What’s Causing Your Noisy Air Conditioner? Tips for Goodlettsville Homeowners

Before diving into troubleshooting, know that some air conditioner noises are normal and nothing to worry about. Clicking during startup or shutdown is often normal. However, if the clicks are repetitive or rapid, it could point to an electrical issue that needs professional attention. Your air conditioner also makes a clicking sound at the end of a cooling cycle.

If the noises are loud and persistent, though, you might have a problem with your unit that requires expert repair. Here are a few reasons why your AC is making strange noises.

Whistling or Hissing Noises

Does your air conditioner sound like a whistling teakettle? The unit might have a refrigerant leak.

Refrigerant is a compound that absorbs heat from your indoor air, cools it down, and ferries it outside. A high-pitched whistling or hissing noise might indicate a refrigerant leak, a leaking valve, or even escaping air from duct joints. An HVAC technician can pinpoint the source. You’ll need to call an HVAC technician to determine the cause of the sound.

Banging or Clanking Sounds

If you hear loud banging or clanking sounds coming from the air conditioner, shut the unit off right away. These noises indicate loose or broken parts inside the system, such as the fan blades or compressor piston. The noise happens when the loose parts strike other components inside the unit. 

It’s important to stop using the air conditioner and call us ASAP. If you allow it to continue running, you can do serious damage to the system.

Squealing Noises

Is your air conditioner making a strange noise that sounds like squealing or whining? In the best-case scenario, you’ve got a loose belt or fan motor problems. For instance, the fan motor’s bearings may need more lubrication. Issues like these often require only minor repair work.

In the worst case, there’s a pressure problem inside the compressor. The unit might shut down to prevent further damage. If it doesn’t, turn it off yourself and call us now.

Buzzing Sounds

Buzzing noises can occur in both your indoor and outdoor units. If you hear buzzing sounds coming from the indoor unit, a frozen evaporator coil is the most likely cause. Evaporator coils can freeze due to a refrigerant leak or a dirty air filter.

Try replacing the filter and thawing the coils by allowing the unit to rest for a few hours. Then run the system and see if the noise has stopped. If the unit continues to buzz, you’ll need to call for air conditioner repair.

If the buzzing is coming from the outdoor unit, there may be electrical malfunctions in the compressor or fan motor. The rubber feet beneath the unit may have also worn down, causing the unit to buzz when it runs.

Popping Noises

Do you hear a weird popping noise coming from somewhere in your Goodlettsville home? If you’re not making popcorn, the noise is probably coming from your ductwork. Loose and cracked ductwork allows air to escape, resulting in the racket you’re hearing.

Faulty ductwork won’t harm your air conditioner, but it does decrease the unit’s efficiency, which means it must work harder to cool your home down. Ignore the problem, and your cooling bills will shoot through the roof. If you’d rather not pay sky-high energy bills, it’s best to have your ductwork fixed sooner rather than later.