5 Common AC Noises & What They Mean

June 28, 2023


When the sound of your AC changes, it means that something inside the unit has also changed. Many noises not only indicate that you need repairs but tell you what kind you need. Listen for these five common noises from your air conditioner.


What Sounds Might Come From Your AC?

1. Squealing

Your air conditioner’s belt squeals when it slips, which can happen when the belt is loose or worn out. Replacing it should stop the sound. The unit may also shriek when the pressure inside is higher than it should be, which happens when a pressure sensor is broken. If this happens, turn off the unit to prevent damage until you can get a technician to look at it.


2. Hissing

A long, continuous hissing sound usually means gas is escaping from a pressurized area. This might mean you have a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs heat from your indoor air to cool interior spaces. However, it is toxic, so get a leak fixed as quickly as possible.


3. Banging, Rattling, Slapping, & Grinding

All these noises usually mean there’s a loose part or a foreign object inside your AC. It might be moved around by your fan or pump or might be getting in the way of moving parts. A specific description of the noise can help your HVAC contractor identify the cause.


4. Buzzing & Humming

A low hum sometimes happens when the flowing air runs over loose components and makes them vibrate. However, the more serious potential cause is an electrical issue, such as loose wiring. If this noise is new, turn off the AC until it’s checked out.


5. Clicking

You should expect a quiet click or two when your unit starts up and shuts down. However, it shouldn’t click while it’s running. Clicks in the middle of a cycle can mean faulty electronic controls, which can damage or wear out other https://www.alpinehcservices.com/cooling-services components as they activate incorrectly.

 

If your AC makes unusual noises, schedule repairs give us a call or schedule a visit online .For almost 30 years, we  have provided Wayne & surrounding Counties with quality equipment and repairs. We're also an  authorized Trane & Armstrong Air® dealer. Call (330) 263-0013 or (330) 359-7114) to get started


September 9, 2026
Have you ever walked into your house after being gone for a few hours and noticed that it just smells a little… stale? It’s not always a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes your home simply needs a little more fresh air. Modern homes are built much tighter than older houses, which is great for energy efficiency, but it also means odors and moisture can hang around longer. Cooking smells, pets, cleaning products, candles, furniture, paint, and everyday household products can all affect indoor air. Humidity plays a big part too. When indoor humidity stays too high, the air can feel heavy or musty. When it gets too dry, the house may feel uncomfortable in a completely different way. Your HVAC system can help keep air moving and filtered, but the filter has to be clean and the system still needs adequate airflow. In some homes, better ventilation or indoor air quality equipment can also make a noticeable difference. Of course, sometimes the easiest solution is the simplest one: on a nice Ohio day, open a few windows and let the house air out. If your home constantly feels stuffy, musty, or just never seems to smell fresh, it may be worth looking at more than the air freshener. The problem could be humidity, airflow, filtration, or ventilation. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we can help you figure out what’s going on behind the scenes so your home doesn’t just feel comfortable—it feels fresh too  Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114 CONTACT US Serving Wooster, Ashland & Mt. Eaton, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems. If you need service on your current system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a game plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs.
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