The steady hum of your air conditioner should be music to your ears as it works to keep the air in your home cool and comfortable, but sometimes air conditioners can make unusual noises that indicate problems are brewing. Not all noises are a sign of impending failure, but you need to be able to recognize and troubleshoot them to be sure. Here's what you need to know if your air conditioning unit begins to make a funny noise.

Common AC Noises

If your AC sounds like it is trying to communicate with you, it probably is. Here are some common sounds and what they may mean:

• Rattling or Vibrating: Typically this indicates that something is loose on your AC unit or a twig or other foreign object is clogging it. Tighten bolts, screws and any other loose parts and remove plant debris from around the unit. If this doesn't solve the problem, the issue could be a failing electrical contractor inside the unit.
• Clanking or Banging: A loud bang inside your AC unit could mean a variety of things. It could indicate that internal parts of your AC are loose or broken. Turn your unit off and wait for your HVAC contractor to arrive to assess the problem. 
• Bubbling or Hissing: These sounds indicate a refrigerant leak and require servicing. Typically, bubbling signals a slow leak, but if it progresses to hissing your unit needs servicing right away.
• Squealing: Some squealing on startup may be normal for your unit, but if it suddenly begins squealing during operation, take this as your sign that the fan motors or housing may be ready to fail.
• Clicking: Ticking or clicking at start up may be normal, but if it continues when your AC is running, it may indicate an electrical issue.

When to Call for HVAC Service

If your air conditioner makes loud or repetitive noises that aren't relieved by cleaning around the unit and removing debris, you should call your local HVAC dealer for service. They have the experience and expertise to troubleshoot and correct the problem for you before it does significant damage to your unit.

Are Service Contracts Worth the Investment?

One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently is to schedule routine preventive maintenance on the unit. A service contract makes it easy to stay on top of routine maintenance, and it can save you money in the long run. Because your HVAC contractor can spot problems and correct them before they cause a major problem, you may avoid costly repairs in the future. 

If your air conditioner has suddenly begun to make weird noises, contact us at Guaranteed Services right away. We provide 24-hour emergency services, but that's not all we do. Talk to us about how a service contract can improve your AC's efficiency by up to 25 percent and give you peace of mind, too.