5 Reasons Your Air Conditioner Is Squeaking

Noisy AC in Palm Desert, CA

When you turn on your air conditioner, do you hear a squeak? This is a sign of an underlying problem with your AC unit that needs to be addressed. Your AC may have accumulated debris near or around it, causing the rattling sound, or it can be caused by an accumulation of dirt in the coils. Various issues can cause these noises, and you need to pinpoint the exact cause of the noise to fix it. Generally, the best way to fix this issue is by calling a licensed HVAC professional to make some necessary adjustments.

1. The Fan Belt Is Worn Out or Misaligned

The fan belt is a crucial component of your air conditioner. Like any other mechanical piece, the timing belt must be replaced every few years, depending on usage. If you hear your AC unit making a squeaking noise, it’s likely because one of your belts is worn out and needs replacement.

Over time, the fan belt will become worn out or misaligned, causing it to squeak.
Misalignment can happen if you move the AC or attempt to repair it yourself. Luckily, adjusting the fan belt is a straightforward and fast process to complete, but this can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Make sure that it is turned off before you attempt any repairs on your air conditioning unit.

2. The Bearings Are Worn Out

These bearings will become worn out and squeak as the AC is used. If you hear a squeak from your AC when it is running, there might be a problem with its bearings. If the bearings are worn out, it will cause the fan to vibrate. The vibrations that the bearings create are what causes the squeaking noise.

The way to fix this problem is by replacing the bearings on your fan unit. An experienced HVAC mechanic can usually do this, but you will want to know what you are doing to avoid costly repairs.

3. A Failing Compressor

The compressor is responsible for keeping the unit cool by sending refrigerant through the AC coils. As it ages over time, the coils will slowly break down. The breaking down of the compressor will cause it to make a squeaking sound while it’s running.

If you hear this type of noise coming from your AC, it’s likely because your compressor is failing and needs to be replaced soon. Replacing this component will also require the help of a professional.

4. The Blower Motor Burned Out

If you have an older AC system, your blower motor may have burned out, causing this squeak. The blower motor generates the airflow through your system; if it is not working correctly, it will cause a wobbling noise. This noise is likely to be accompanied by a burning smell.

If the blower motor is not working correctly, it will cause excessive noise, and it could burn out. This can be caused by a broken wire or a loose connection to the power source. If this happens, you will need to replace the entire blower motor to fix the problem that causes the noise.

5. The Refrigerant Is Leaking

The refrigerant lines are responsible for keeping the AC consistent and controlled. If there are leaks, the air pressure will not be able to remain balanced, and the air conditioner will start making noises that can be heard throughout the house. This is a costly repair, so make sure you get your AC unit serviced by a professional if you think this is the problem.

If you try to fix these problems on your own, you could further damage your AC unit by making things worse. You could accidentally break something that was not an issue or damage a vital component. To avoid this, you must ensure that you only hire a professional to work on your air conditioning unit. Breeze Air Conditioning in Palm Desert, CA will help address your air conditioning system issues.

By scheduling regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs while preventing issues that could cause significant problems in the future. You should schedule a maintenance appointment before things get bad and start causing problems with your AC unit. This will help keep the system running efficiently, and you will also be able to spot signs of potential trouble early.

If you notice that your AC is squeaking, it could be one of several issues that must be addressed. You must have a proper diagnosis so a professional can make the necessary adjustments. We offer air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality services. Contact Breeze Air Conditioning today for more information.

Tags: