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Why is my AC unit so loud?

Air conditioners make noise because they are large machines with a lot of moving parts that work hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. However, if noise from your AC unit has reached new decibels, it could be the first sign of a serious issue, which may require a Chicago air conditioning service to fix for you.

All air conditioning units make noise when running. Older units are often louder than newer units because designs have improved over the years to reduce noise. So if you have an older unit that seems to roar rather than purr, it’s not necessarily a sign that it is time to start looking through Chicago air conditioning companies. Some may feel that the “normal” noise generated by major components like the compressor and fans is too loud. If so, an HVAC professional can advise you about options to help quiet the noise, such as adding sound blankets and other noise-reduction options.

Some noises, though, require more immediate action. If you hear a noise that concerns you, first make sure to power off your central air conditioning unit to prevent further damage from occurring. Next, contact a Chicago AC repair professional to expertly handle the situation. A few common sounds are:

Rattling - If you hear a rattling noise coming from an exterior AC unit, it could be because something fell into the vents, such as leaves, sticks, or other outdoor debris. A rattle could also indicate something as simple as loose bolts, screws, or fasteners. However, the sound could also be coming from the compressor. As the motor in the compressor begins to age, it may get louder and begin to make noises, which would be the first sign of a problem with it.

Grinding -If you hear a grinding noise, it is most likely one of the fan motors. The noise usually signals that something might be going wrong with the fan motors, such as a worn bearing.

Popping -Sometimes, you might hear popping noises in your ductwork, especially when the air cuts on and off. It actually is an issue with your ductwork rather than the central air conditioning unit. As ductwork ages, just as anything else, it may also require maintenance to make sure that nothing is faulty or damaged so that your AC unit can continue to effectively and efficiently cool your home.

Hissing- A hissing or whistling noise could also be due to a problem with ductwork. However, a hissing noise coming from the AC unit itself is often indicative of a refrigerant leak, which should only be handled by a Chicago AC maintenance professional.