Bang, click, bubble, rattle, screech — these are all noises your A/C unit can make over time. As a home or business owner, some sounds may startle and concern you. What do these noises mean and which ones are causes for concern? We’ll take out our examination gloves and diagnose the most common A/C noises to help you better understand the sounds associated with your A/C unit.

1. Bang/Clank

Banging and clanking noises typically indicate that your units’ compressor has a broken or loose part. Because there are several parts inside the compressor, it’s hard to tell which part needs to be tightened or replaced. If you’re hearing frequent banging and/or clanking noises coming from your unit, contact Cates Heating and Cooling to come out and take a look. We’ll be glad to examine your unit and determine the root of the problem.

2. Click

Clicking noises coming from your A/C unit? These noises are common when your unit clicks on and off. If noises persist after the unit has started or shutdown, there may be an electrical issue. Whether it’s a faulty thermostat or a failing control, pay close attention and contact an HVAC contractor to take a look as soon as possible.

3. Bubbling/Gurgling

Bubbling noises typically indicate a refrigerant leak.  When your system has a refrigerant leak, ice starts to form on parts of your unit, thus causes reduced air flow. Refrigerant leaks should never go unrepaired and should to be taken care of relatively quickly.

4. Rattle

If you’re hearing rattling noises when your unit is running, there may be some loose parts. It could be something minor like a screw or bolt, but could be something major like a loose blade. Be sure to contact an HVAC contractor to take a look – you don’t want any major parts coming off.

5. Screech

Pay attention to how long the screeching lasts; if it’s brief it may just be your unit starting up, if it lasts longer than a minute then it could be a bigger issue. Screeching can indicate a problem with your fan belt or the compressor motor. If the screeching lasts longer than a minute, be sure to contact an HVAC contractor as you’ll want to replace the belt before it breaks – if it breaks, the blower won’t work.

If you hear any of the above noises coming from your A/C unit, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We offer A/C repair services that guarantee a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.  At Cates, our specialists have seen it all, repaired it all, and have serviced all brands, so you know you’re in good hands!