Is your air conditioner unusually noisy? The experts at Galmiche & Sons Heating & Cooling have put together a quick guide to diagnosing the issue and determining whether or not you need professional help. Read on for more information, and call our heating & air conditioning experts in St. Louis if you need help with your noisy air conditioner.
Identifying the Cause of a Noisy Outdoor Air Conditioner Unit
Step 1. Look for the Area the Noise Is Coming From
The first step to undertake is trying to identify the area that the loud noise is coming from. This makes it easier to figure out the cause of the loud noise and aids in repairing as well. The issue can be from either the inside or outside component of the air conditioner.
What things affect the outdoor component of the AC? Some of the issues that could cause a noisy air conditioner outside are:
- The fan blades may be dirty
- The fan may be loose and need to be tightened
- If the fan blade may be damaged
- The presence of debris in the fan
- Leaking refrigerant
Step 2. Check the Outdoor HVAC Unit
After you examine the area where the noise is coming from, and you realize that the loud noises are coming from the outdoor AC unit, the following may be the causes:
- Debris may have fallen into the fan, or the screws are loose
- Leaking refrigerant may cause the cause. This can be determined if the AC is producing a hissing sound
- The motor may have issues that require service
It is crucial that you contact a technician if you determine any of the above are causing your noisy air conditioner, to ensure everything is repaired properly and quickly.
Step 3. Diagnose the Noisy Air Conditioner
Once you have figured out where the noise is coming from, it is time to diagnose the problem to see if you need a professional or not. The following steps can help you diagnose the problem with regards to your outdoor AC unit:
- For safety, switch off the noisy air conditioner before you start at the thermostat as well as the HVAC at the circuit breaker.
- Examine if there is debris that has fallen into the fan, by disconnecting the grate covering the fan. Also, check if the fan has dirt stuck on it and clean it off using a damp rag or sponge.
- You can also check whether the blades of the fan are straight. If you find they are dented or bent, consider replacing them.
- Also, check if loose screws are causing your noisy air conditioner and tighten as needed.
- It is also advisable that you read the user’s manual to make sure that all maintenance schedules have been followed properly. Your noisy air conditioner may be due for a professional tune-up.
Step 4. Seek Help from Local Air Conditioner Professionals
If the above tips do not seem to fix your noisy air conditioner issue, or you do not feel comfortable troubleshooting by yourself, give us a call in the greater St. Louis area! You can reach our heating & air conditioning professionals today at 314-993-1110.
