Your air conditioner should hum along quietly in the background—keeping your home cool and comfortable without drawing attention to itself. So if you start hearing strange or alarming sounds coming from your AC unit, it’s a clear sign something’s not right. At Creative Comfort Solutions, we help homeowners quickly identify and fix these issues before they turn into major repairs.
Below are five of the most common AC sounds that signal a problem—plus what you should do if you hear them.
1. Hissing
What it could mean: A hissing noise usually points to a refrigerant leak. Your AC relies on refrigerant to absorb and remove heat from your home, and if there’s a leak, performance will drop—fast. You may also notice warm air blowing from your vents or a frozen evaporator coil.
What to do: Turn off your system and call a professional right away. Refrigerant issues not only reduce cooling efficiency but can also damage your compressor if left unchecked.
2. Clanking or Banging
What it could mean: Loud clanking or banging often means that something has come loose inside the compressor or fan assembly. It could be a broken part or misaligned components rattling around. This noise usually worsens with time and can cause further damage if ignored.
What to do: Shut off your AC and schedule a service visit. Continuing to run the system could lead to costly internal damage.
3. Buzzing
What it could mean: Buzzing may be caused by electrical problems, such as a failing capacitor or contactor, or issues with the fan motor. Sometimes, it can also be due to debris caught near the outdoor unit or loose wiring.
What to do: First, check to make sure there’s no visible debris or obstructions. If everything looks clear, it’s time to call the professionals at Creative Comfort Solutions for a full inspection. Electrical issues should never be handled without proper training.
4. Screeching or Squealing
What it could mean: High-pitched screeching could indicate a worn-out belt, motor bearings that need lubrication, or a damaged blower motor. These components play a critical role in pushing cool air through your home.
What to do: Don’t ignore screeching noises, especially if they persist. A technician can lubricate moving parts or replace worn components before they fail completely.
5. Clicking or Tapping
What it could mean: While it’s normal to hear a click when your AC starts or stops, constant clicking or tapping may suggest a problem with the thermostat, electrical connections, or a failing control board.
What to do: If you hear frequent clicking that doesn’t align with your system cycling on or off, give us a call to investigate. It could prevent a no-cool situation during the next heatwave.
Protect Your System With Preventative Maintenance
The best way to avoid these scary sounds altogether? An annual AC maintenance plan. When you join our Creative Comfort Maintenance Club, you’ll enjoy peace of mind—along with exclusive benefits like:
- 15% Discount on Repair Parts
- Priority Scheduling (even during peak seasons!)
- No Overtime Charges
- Cash Accumulation Toward System Replacement
It’s our way of saying thanks while helping you extend the life of your HVAC system and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Contact Creative Comfort Solutions today! All Your Home Comfort Needs, Taken Care Of.
610-957-5080
