Your air conditioner may not operate silently, but some A/C noises simply aren’t good. If you’re hearing any of these sounds from your air conditioner, learn what they mean and whether you should be concerned.

• Screaming: This dangerous noise indicates the internal pressure has risen above a safe limit and the automatic high-pressure shutoff feature is malfunctioning. Turn off the system immediately to prevent damaging the compressor and call a repair technician for help right away.
• Bubbling or hissing: A bubbling sound coming from the refrigerant piping means you have a slow refrigerant leak. A short-lived hissing indicates a catastrophic leak. The leak dumps refrigerant into the atmosphere until the system is empty and the hissing stops. Both A/C noises need immediate attention from a repair technician.
• Banging or clanking: Something could be rattling around inside the compressor. Since this component is completely sealed, the only option is to have the entire compressor replaced.
• Whining or rumbling: The fan motor could have a broken internal part, warranting the need for a replacement.
• Clicking: The relays may be clicking on and off repeatedly due to a malfunctioning thermostat. Then again, if the clicking noise is coming from the compressor, loose hardware could be jumbling around inside.
• Animal noises: If a live animal is stuck in the ductwork, it doesn’t stay a mystery for long. Listen for a bird’s rustling and fluttering, a rodent’s gnawing and scratching, or an insect’s buzzing.
• Squealing during startup: If your cooling system has always squealed at startup, it’s not something to be worried about. However, if the noise is new, it could mean something is wrong. The problem could be in the blower assembly, fan motor or compressor, depending on what component is generating the noise.
• Trumpeting: Internal refrigerant valves may be leaking, causing this loud noise at shutdown. As long as a hissing sound doesn’t accompany the trumpeting, there’s nothing to be concerned about.

To learn more about the A/C noises you’re hearing in your McKinney area home, please contact Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We have experience dating back to 1978.