Why is my AC squeaking?

Summers in Pennsylvania can escalate to discomforting levels pretty fast. That’s when all you want is a cool, refreshing refuge to soothe your summer woes away. What better refuge than a properly air-conditioned space?

Now, assuming you have taken care of the cooling aspect of your air conditioner. You have probably even ensured your cooling is well optimized for the best indoor air quality.

Then, your mind tells you, “sit back and enjoy the cooling comfort!” But before the excitement kicks in, your air conditioner steals the show again with endless squeaking noises. What a deal breaker!

The point is that indoor air comfort is a function of many players. It is not enough to just optimize your cooling system for indoor air quality if its operation is questionably uncomfortable to your ears.

Thus, if your air conditioner has lately become a casualty of disconcerting squeaks whether at home or work, you should be concerned and seek the right diagnosis of the underlying problem.

Turning to the right AC professional in Huntingdon Valley, PA is the first noble step toward quickly and reliably resolving the noisy cooling and instantly restoring indoor comfort.

 

Why Do You Need a Professional for This?

Simply put, modern air conditioners have been equipped with variable speed motors for noise reduction and hence quieter operation. That is to say, should you notice an oddly disruptive loud noise coming from your AC, you should start betting on a moderate to a severe issue.

Unless you have a trained eye, such “unknown” issues are best left to AC repair experts.

The noise might point to an issue needing a quick repair or a careful replacement. A proven AC technician is better placed to discern the difference thanks to possessing special tools, equipment, skills, and training.

Being that serious, never be tempted to ignore any squeaking sounds from your air conditioner.

 

What Is Air Conditioner Squeaking Noise?

You have probably experienced this strange noise with your air conditioner before. To jog your memory, recall that distinct high-pitched or squealing sound your AC unit produced the minute you turned it on.

Still not following? Well, while there are several noises common with air conditioners including banging, buzzing, rattling, clicking, and hissing, among other noises, the squeaking sound is particularly distinct owing to a sharp high pitch that instantly irritates the ear.

Yes, that’s the one! The itching AC sound that you can’t stand. To get a better picture of it, it also borders closely to shrieking or screeching noises.

While all the different AC noises portend varying degrees of operational issues, a squeaking AC warrants immediate attention because if left unchecked, it might open a whole lot can of repairs leaving you with dented pockets.

Before delving into AC squeaks, here is a brief snapshot of what the rest of the AC sounds might portend:

·         Banging noises (compressor problems)

·         Humming noises (faulty contactor relay switch)

·         Buzzing sounds (loose fan blades in outdoor condenser unit)

·         Rattling noises (loose debris and particles in outdoor condenser unit)

·         Clicking sounds (failing thermostat)

·         Hissing noises (air duct leak)

·         Bubbling sounds (faulty drainage pipe causing excessive moisture)

With that in mind, let’s now shift the gears back to squeaking noises, what causes them, and how you can fix the problem.

 

What Causes My AC to Squeak and How Can I Fix It?

While most air conditioners slightly squeak during normal operation (although for a short while), if the noise gets increasingly loud to the point of keeping you awake at night, there is definitely a problem with your cooling system.

Understanding the underlying cause of the issue is your first logical step toward resolving it while avoiding escalation into expensive repairs. While you may be tempted to try and fix some of these issues yourself, it is far wiser to contact a reputable service technician to thoroughly and properly diagnose the problem and seal any loopholes for future malfunctions.

A proven air conditioning expert for both commercial and residential spaces in Huntingdon Valley, PA, you can contact [company_name] to learn what full-service preventative maintenance entails.

That said, the following are the major contributors to squeaking AC sounds:

 

Malfunctioning Fan Belt

While most contemporary air conditioners eliminate belt systems, some older versions are belt driven. Essentially, the belt links the motor to the fan. The belt functions primarily like that of a lawnmower or car.

During hot summers, humidity tends to rise in Pennsylvania. This exposes the fan belt to a destructive cycle of contraction and expansion. Over time, the belt may begin to wear out or stretch and become fragile. Thus, as temperature and humidity vary throughout the day, the squeaking sound from your AC unit becomes inevitable.

Moreover, the fan belt could have slipped out of place and become misaligned. Then, you will start hearing the squeaks coming from both the outdoor unit and indoor vents.

The fix? If you establish this is indeed the cause of squeaking, you can replace the belt or call a trained technician from [company_name] for proper troubleshooting.

 

Worn Out Condenser Fan Bearings

Modern air conditioning units come with direct-drive motors in place of belt systems. Instead of a belt, the condenser fan is attached using bearings.

Thus, tending to be busy blowing air across the condenser coils outdoors, the fan bearings may start wearing out over time and produce a squeaking noise. The noise is typically heard coming from the outdoor unit when your AC is running.

If unresolved, the shot bearings can potentially damage the AC motor and warrant a complete motor overhaul. In other words, ignoring worn-out fan bearings will end up costing you both cold air and more money for repairs.

To avoid more serious damage to your outdoor unit, we strongly recommend calling an AC expert you can trust instead of attempting to fix the problem yourself.

 

Overworked AC Unit

Another possible reason for your AC squeaking sounds is overworking the unit. This is a common scenario during hot summers when you are striving so hard to get rid of excessive humidity indoors.

However, instead of overworking your precious unit, you can contact the AC experts at [company_name] to learn how to keep indoor humidity low. What’s more, we also offer top-notch dehumidifiers to help you keep humidity levels in check while significantly boosting your air conditioner’s lifespan.

As temporary relief to the noise, you can apply spray lubricant or motor lubricant on the motor shaft. Just make sure to call a reliable AC repair expert for a permanent fix.

 

Trust an Expert to Eliminate the Noise!

Looking for a trustworthy team to help you eliminate the itching squeaks in your air conditioner? Look no further than [company_name]. We pride ourselves on special tools, equipment, skills, and training to afford the residents and commercial property owners in and around Huntingdon Valley, PA a superior air conditioning experience.

What’s more, we also provide top-rated heating solutions second to none in Pennsylvania. Our industry-leading experience also allows us to offer a full line of air quality products such as air filtration systems, air cleaners, UV lights, and humidifiers (as well as dehumidifiers) to work in conjunction with your central HVAC system for maximum indoor air quality.

More on our service list includes the provision of backup home generators from reputable brands you can trust, hot water tank repair and installation, as well as preventative maintenance plans to keep your space efficient and livable. Contact us today to get started.