4.9 Stars | 1,800+ Reviews 10 Reasons Why Your AC is Squeaking
Expert Tips
The sound of air conditioning units can be very annoying, especially when it’s in the middle of the night and you’re trying to sleep. It’s not just the sound that brings on some anxiety but also the fact that you have no idea what is causing this noise. Read on to learn about some common things that may be causing your AC to squeak, or simply reach out to our Orange Park HVAC experts today!
1) An Issue With the Blower or Motor
The blower assembly is responsible for bringing fresh air into your home and discharging warm, stale air. If there is an issue with this part of your system, you will hear a loud squeal as it tries to bring in more air. You can replace this part yourself by removing screws from under the unit and unplugging it from its electrical outlet. After you remove all of these parts, your new one should fit right back into place without any problems.
2) Faulty Fan Belt
The belt transfers power from the compressor to your unit. If this belt has broken or detached from the drive pulley, you will hear a loud grinding sound from your unit when it kicks on and off. You should immediately inspect your AC unit for any signs of damage or tampering before calling an expert to repair it.
3) Faulty Compressor Clutch
A compressor clutch controls when your AC unit turns on or off by allowing or denying power to the compressor. This part is called an “overload relay” or “compressor circuit breaker.” If this part fails, your AC won’t function because it will not be able to turn on and off properly, and you will hear a lot of noise coming from the system.
4) Damaged Motherboard
The motherboard controls all other parts, including switches, sensors, lights, and more! A damaged motherboard may cause many issues with your AC system, such as low or no voltage!
5) Lubrication Might Be Required
Some air conditioning units use oil as a lubricant, which may need replacement. Also, if you have recently changed out filters or had any repairs done on your unit, you may need to lubricate your compressor or motor bearings before rerunning it.
6) Obstructed Line
If you suspect your AC system has a blockage, remove the cover from your air conditioner and clean it thoroughly. You may want to use an airbrush with paint thinner to get rid of some dirt. Make sure you don’t use chemical cleaner or degreaser on your AC unit because these products can damage it.
7) Motor Bearings May Need Replacing
It’s a fairly common problem with AC units. The bearings on the motor shafts wear out over time, which causes them to wobble as they rotate inside the motor housing. These wobbles result in friction between the bearing and shaft, which leads to noise and vibration. To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace your motor bearings with new ones from a local auto parts store or hardware store.
8) Blower Assembly Has a Bad Bearing
The blower in your AC unit uses fan blades that spin inside their housing when running at full speed or higher. If one of these blades breaks off from excessive wear, it will cause excessive noise and vibration in your system until you replace it with another from a local hardware store.
9) Frozen Evaporator Coils
The heat exchanger coils in your air conditioner are often made of copper tubing that circulates water through them as it turns over in the unit’s compressor. If they become stuck together due to frost or ice buildup, they may vibrate at an unusually high rate even after the system shuts off and gets unplugged. It can damage the inside of both coils and lead to a complete system failure.
10) Damaged Condenser Fan
A thermostat controls the fan. It turns the fan on and off to maintain the desired room temperature. If the thermostat has failed or the motor is damaged, you may have an issue with your AC unit. First, check for blown fuses; if this doesn’t solve your problem, check the fuse box for loose connections and replace any found. If this doesn’t solve your problem either, then it’s time to take your unit in for repair.
How to Check a Squeaking AC
Spotting the reasons for a squeaking AC unit is not always an easy task. It requires you to check the unit’s condition and ensure that there are no loose or broken parts. You also need to check for any air leaks around the unit. In addition, ensure that the breaker is off and that no electricity flows through the system. You can recharge your system to get rid of all these problems as well.
Here are tips on how to inspect your AC for squeaks:
- Check the condition of the unit – The first thing you need to do is to check its condition. If there seems to be rust or anything else that looks worrisome, contact our experts so that they can fix it right away.
- Check for any loose or broken parts – If there are any loose or broken parts inside your AC, then they need to be fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will cause more problems later, such as overheating. Call one of our technicians if you see any loose or broken parts.
- Make sure that the breaker is off and there is no electricity flowing through the system – Make sure that there are no obstructions in front of your AC unit, and make sure that there are no obstructions at its backside (like a cabinet). If you notice anything like this, it would be better to call a technician immediately because some breakdowns can cause more damage than expected.
- Check for any air leaks around the unit – Check that there is no air leaking from the air handler into the attic or walls of your house. The most common cause of AC leakages is loose connections or worn-out gaskets which are not sealed properly.
- Clean any dirt – Check for any dirt in the system by cleaning it with soap and water, then wipe it off with a cloth to remove any dust particles. Clean it out entirely if dirt is still present. Make sure your filters are cleaned before turning on your AC system again.
When to Contact AC Professionals
Fixing a squeaking AC can be challenging because many parts that make up the system are located on the roof or in the wall. You may also have to remove the unit from its current location and move it to another site, so you’ll need a truck or trailer to help transport it.
Once you’ve determined that your unit needs repair, you’ll want to make sure that you contact an expert who has experience in this field. [company_name] offers 24/7 service, and we can handle all types of HVAC problems such as clogged vents and filters, broken coils, leaky systems, and more. Our technicians are available for emergency AC repair issues anytime, day or night.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for any air conditioning service in Orange Park, FL or the surrounding area you may need!
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