What Does A Bad AC Compressor Sound Like?
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Your air conditioning system contains several complicated parts. Each plays an essential role in cooling your house. One such part, the compressor, can alert you to common air conditioning issues or have its own troubles. Decode why your AC unit is making loud noises below with a little help from AC Plus Heating & Cooling.
What Is an Air Conditioner Compressor?
The compressor is the part of your home’s air conditioner responsible for compressing gaseous refrigerant. It removes warm air from the refrigerant, ensuring that only cool air circulates through your home. Most air conditioners contain their compressors in their outdoor units.
What a Bad Compressor in Your Air Conditioning Unit Sounds Like
Your air conditioner should not make excessive noise. If you hear strange sounds coming from your air conditioner, you might have trouble brewing on the horizon related to the compressor. Keep an ear out for your outdoor or indoor unit making the following noises.
Buzzing Noise
You might have a malfunctioning compressor on your hands if your air conditioner is making a buzzing noise. Persistent buzzing often indicates poor or exposed electrical connectivity. If the sounds come from inside, a failing indoor blower fan motor or blower assembly may be to blame.
Hissing Noise
If your AC unit is making loud noises that resemble hissing, it could warn that the compressor has reached a high internal pressure. This issue can also manifest through a high-pitched squealing noise. Change the dirty air filter to see if it resolves the pressure problem.
Alternatively, you might have a refrigerant leak. Call a professional AC repair company in Redlands to diagnose the problem and top off your refrigerant. Refrigerant leaks can cause dangerous health concerns.
Humming Noise
Your compressor may sustain damage as it ages. This wear and tear can cause the compressor to become unbalanced or cracked or its materials may corrode or deteriorate. These age-related issues may lead to loud, unabating humming.
Your condenser fan might also emit similar sounds once it starts failing. Since the outdoor unit contains both components, you need an HVAC technician to figure out whether one or both is the source.
Rattling Noise
A persistent rattling sound can indicate a filthy air filter creating airflow resistance and intense compressor pressure. Your technician might also discover loose fan blades, loose fan motor screws, or debris trembling inside the outdoor unit during operation.
Banging Noise
Sometimes, the compressor might work fine except for a few specific parts. Connected components, like pistons, connector rods, and crankshafts, might loosen. This issue commonly develops in unmaintained units. Loose compressor parts may bang or clang throughout each cycle.
Other Signs of a Bad Compressor in Your Outdoor Unit
As you can see, disruptive sounds can occur for reasons beyond a faulty compressor. However, a worn compressor also causes additional symptoms such as:
- Pooling water.
- Tripped breakers.
- Warm air circulation.
- Inexplicable shutdowns.
When Your AC Unit Is Making Loud Noises, Call a Professional From AC Plus Heating & Cooling
Let’s find out why your AC unit is making loud noises. Call AC Plus Heating & Cooling at 760-243-4440 to schedule a check-up for your cooling system!
Written By Matt Postoian
Matt Postoian has been in the HVAC industry for over 20 years and is dedicated to providing homeowners in Southern California with total home comfort.
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