Does your air conditioner needs repairs?

It is very important that you have your air conditioner serviced annually, as recommended by Fortis BC and the BC Safety Authority.  It’s quick, and it’s inexpensive, and it can save you money by avoiding expensive repairs that may be required on an under-serviced machine.   You may think your air conditioning needs repairs when you hear strange noises coming from your air conditioner, you likely need to contact a professional right away.  Here are some of the common noises, so that you know what to watch out for and so that you can understand what part of the system might be causing the problem:

Puttering Noises

Sputtering and puttering is a fairly good indication that something is likely wrong with your air conditioning motor.  It may be old, and in need or replacement, or it could be damaged and needing a quick repair.  There are also instances of the motor being blocked or impeded, causing the noises, and resulting in your air conditioner malfunctioning and failing to cool your home.   There may be other causes as well, and a professional will be the one to find out exactly what the problem is and how to resolve it.

Wheezing and Hissing

Depending on the sound, these noises are usually indicative that there is a break in the coiling or ductwork, resulting in a leak – and the noises are the gas escaping (and the system failing to cool).  These breaches can be cause by external damage, but also get worn down, and may need to be serviced or even replaced from time to time on an older machine.  Sometimes you can see the damage yourself, and it helps to share that information when the licensed air conditioning service technician comes to help.

Creaking and Squeaking

The unpleasant squeaking and creaking noises are usually an indication that the fan has become disconnected from the fan belt, especially if the noises are sharp and piercing and consistent.  While this is not always the case, it is the most common.  Like other systems on older air conditioners, or those that have not been serviced, the fan belt can wear down and break off, and needs to be replaced over the life of the air conditioning system.

Buzzing and Whirring

A buzzing sound is usually a sign of some kind of electrical problem, or an issue with the wiring.  It could mean that something is disconnected, or an electrical circuit is damaged, or something else.  It is important that you turn off the cooling unit in these situations, and keep it off until a professional can come to service the air conditioner.  Electrical problems can be both big and small in nature, and are best left to the experts to resolve.

While these are the most common noises, there are surely a variety of other noises that a broken or malfunctioning AC unit can make.  Fortunately, you do not have to suffer.  Pro Ace Heating and Plumbing has service technicians on hand, with 24 hour emergency service, and are experts on a large variety of air conditioning makes and models.