When you live somewhere as uncomfortably hot and humid as we do throughout the summer, it goes without saying that using your air conditioner daily is a must. Since summer is well on its way, it’s vital that you keep a close eye out in case any problems crop up. Problems with your AC are more likely to occur when you’re getting the most use out of them, after all.
One of the most common indicators that you have a problem with your air conditioner is that it’s making strange noises as it operates. There are a few sounds in particular that you never want to hear coming from your cooling system. Read on as we uncover them.
Short-Cycling
This is one of the most apparent signs that something is amiss with your cooling system. Short-cycling is the name given to the process your compressor goes through when it turns on and shuts off rapidly, instead of going through its regular cycles. Short-cycling is both the symptom of a problem and the cause of more problems with your air conditioner.
What do we mean by that? Well, short-cycling could be caused by thinks like a clogged air filter, improper sizing upon installation, an internal problem with the air conditioner like a component that’s worn out, your compressor’s motor struggling, and more.
But short-cycling also ramps up the level of wear and tear on your air conditioner. So prolonged short-cycling can cause parts of your cooling system to fail faster than they otherwise would have. This not only can lead to costly repair needs, but can actually shorten the overall lifespan of your air conditioner by years.
Grinding
A grinding sound coming from your air conditioner is most likely indicative of an air handler problem—this is the part of your cooling system actually responsible for circulating air throughout your home. Moving this much air generates a good deal of friction, so the air handler motor contains lubricated bearings to help it run smoothly.
These bearings wear down over time, and cause the friction on the system to increase. If you detect a grinding noise coming from your air conditioner, contact our professionals for repairs as soon as possible. The bearings in your air handler motor must be replaced before they fail completely and cause the motor to burn out.
Hissing
If you hear a hissing noise coming from your cooling system, you likely have air bubbles in the refrigerant line. This means you have a leak, which is a serious problem. Your air conditioner relies on a certain level (what we call charge in the industry) of refrigerant to function as it is meant to.
A leak will deplete the system of its refrigerant supply and cause a significant decline in system output. Eventually, the refrigerant charge will drop to the point that your air conditioner will break down. So, if you hear your air conditioner making a hissing noise, the best thing you can do is give our team a call right away!
For reliable AC repair in Edmond, OK, contact Comfort Incorporated today.
