Why Is My AC Louder Than Normal?

Herrmann Services has been taking care of homes and businesses in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas for more than 50 years. As a family-owned business with three generations working in the company, our reputation is everything. Everyone on the Herrmann team is carefully screened and trained to provide the highest level of service possible. Whether you need help with heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical services, Herrmann is the only name you’ll ever need. One of the most frequent calls we get involves strange noises from the air conditioning unit.

Loud Noises from the Air Conditioner?

Often homeowners experience a loud noise coming from the air conditioning unit. Sometimes you hear a screeching, high-pitch whine or squeal. Other times you may hear something that sounds like metal grating against itself or brakes grinding on a piece of machinery. Strange noises can be a sign of trouble, so you should get the unit checked out as soon as you hear the odd sounds. A professional can diagnose the problem and potentially prevent larger problems from occurring.

Is the Condenser Fan Motor Going Bad?

If the noise comes from the outside the unit, it might be the condenser fan motor breaking down. The fan sits on the outside of your AC unit, and its job is to blow air over the condenser coils, removing heat from the refrigerant. If the motor’s bearings wear down, the fan starts to screech as it turns. If the noise happens every time the air conditioner runs, the condenser fan motor is the likely source. The best way to remedy this issue is to call in a professional who can replace the fan motor.

Is the Compressor Going Bad?

The compressor is another component that may cause a noise that comes from the outside of the unit. As the name implies, the compressor’s job is to “compress” the refrigerant to help it cool the air in your home. The compressor has a motor that can start to squeal or screech when it starts to wear out. This problem usually occurs most often when the unit starts to run.

To fix the problem of a compressor going bad, a professional can replace the compressor. However, if your unit is out of warranty, you will probably find it makes more economic sense to replace the entire air conditioning unit. It’s best to call in one of our professional technicians who can evaluate the problem and give you all of the possible options.

Is the Blower Motor Bearing Going Bad?

If the sound comes from inside the unit, you may have a blower motor bearing going bad, resulting in a screeching sound coming from the area where the indoor portion of your air conditioner sits. In many homes, this is the attic or a closet. This indoor component has a blower, also called a fan, that moves air over the evaporator coils. When the bearings in the motor break down, you get fans squeaking or a loud squealing when the air conditioner turns on.

Are the Belts Slipping or Wearing?

In some units, the air handlers have belts that move the blower fan. If the belt gets out of line or wears down, it creates a screeching noise. If the belt breaks, you’ll be left without air conditioning, so it’s important to call the pros. One of our technicians will identify if the belt needs replacing or an adjustment.

Is it Time for a Tune-up?

If you hear strange sounds from your air conditioner, it may be time for a tune-up. While it’s a good idea to call a professional as soon as you hear an unusual noise, it’s an even better plan to get an annual checkup for your unit, just as you would schedule a yearly checkup with your doctor for your health. The technician checks all the components of your air conditioning unit and performs maintenance tasks to keep it running. Addressing the squeaking nuisance early on can save you significant money by heading off small issues before they become major ones. Routine maintenance can even buy you more years of useful life out of your air conditioning unit.

Why Choose Herrmann Services?

Herrmann Services is the one to call when your air conditioner makes noises that you haven’t heard before. Our experienced team of experts can help you whether your air conditioner needs a repair or you’re setting up a schedule for regular maintenance. With over 50 years of experience, we can get to the source of the strange noises right away. Contact us today to get a written estimate of the best options for your home.