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5 Sounds You Shouldn’t Hear Coming from Your Air Conditioner

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We get used to the noises that we hear from our air conditioning in Winnetka, IL. While a dull hum and the occasional **click** are normal, there are some sounds you don’t ever want to hear and are signals that are something that needs your immediate attention.

In this article, we’ll tell you about 5 common air conditioner noises that spell bad news. If you start hearing any of these listed below, then that’s a tell-tale sign that repairs are in order. We’ll let you know who the usual culprits are and what those repairs will likely be. Remember, you don’t want to ignore what your AC is telling you because the worst thing is being stuck in a hot home this summer.

My AC Unit is Banging/Knocking

When you hear a banging noise, it typically means that some component inside the system is loose. It could be a loose component, a broken fan belt, or any number of things. The good news is that this is usually a simple repair that only requires the part to be replaced. However, if you let it linger, it could lead to more costly repairs down the road.

My AC Unit is Rattling

Rattling can have a few causes too. It could simply mean there is a loose panel or a twig stuck inside the unit. Or it could also mean that the fan is coming loose, which will rattle when the unit is kicked one. Regardless of the cause, a repairman will come out to find the loose screw or component and tighten things up for you. Afterward, you shouldn’t hear any more rattling from the unit.

My AC Unit is Squealing

If you turn the unit on and you hear squealing, that’s usually a sign there is an issue with your fan belt or the bearings on the fan motor. The best thing to do in this situation is not to run the AC until you get a technician so they can repair it. Letting the unit run in this condition can cause things to get much worse.

My AC Unit is Hissing

A hissing noise is one sound you should never ignore. It often means there’s a leak in the refrigerant lines, issues with your compressor, or a valve leak on the inside. Either way, you should immediately get on the line with an HVAC professional and they can get down to the bottom of it and get your AC unit back up and running.

My AC is Screeching

If you turn on your AC and hear screeching shortly thereafter, it means your fan motor is having a problem. Typically, the HVAC tech will come out and replace the bearings and that should get everything back in order.

Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today!

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