Hello World! Welcome Friends! If there is one thing that summer always manages to drag from the back of my mind is the reality of global warming. There is nothing quite like resting under the covering of your home yet still having to contend with gallons of sweat dripping down your shirt.
Your only comfort? A noisy AC compressor that couldn’t be bothered to blow a cold breeze your way.
Having a loud AC compressor can be draining. It is also a complicated problem that is best handled by professionals. But what exactly leads to a loud AC system?
Below we explore the top three causes.
How Does an AC Work?
The secret behind an AC’s functionality lies in the system’s refrigerant.
Once your air conditioner is mounted, it will absorb the warm air within your home. This warm air in your home carries what science terms latent heat. Latent heat is a type of energy that is necessary for phase changes.
For example, latent heat must first be resident in the liquid for a liquid to turn into gas. It is similar to what you will find in boiling water before it turns into steam.
The warm air will then encounter the refrigerant.
The refrigerant is a liquid within the evaporator coil that absorbs heat in the warm air. With the heat absorbed, the cool air can circulate back into your home. The process starts again.
What an Air Conditioner Compressor Does
The compressor links the two functional parts of the AC: the evaporator and the condenser. The evaporator unit is part of the AC within your home, while the condenser is the big box with a fan mounted outside your home.
The now-warm refrigerant travels to the condenser unit.
It is important to note that the increased heat the refrigerant absorbed in the evaporator unit converted it to gas. As it journeys to the condenser, the once-liquid refrigerant is now gaseous.
The refrigerant will enter the compressor, where it is pressurized. This increase in pressure further increases its heat.
Depending on the type and model of your AC, the housed compressor may have a piston design or a double scroll make.
The pressurized and heated refrigerant then travels through condenser coils, where it is cooled. The fan within the condenser unit reduces the heat of the refrigerant, reverting it to a liquid state. From here, it will be recycled back into the system.
Top 3 Causes of a Noisy AC Compressor
There are several factors to consider as you try to solve the mystery of why your air conditioner makes a loud noise. Some factors may depend on the make and type of your AC.
But there are some common reasons, and these we have highlighted below:
1. Loose Parts
With the different components that make the compressor, it makes sense that parts may come loose at some point. This could be a screw, a piston, or in newer AC models, a scroll out of alignment.
The air conditioner rattling sound may be a sign that components need tightening.
When it comes to loose parts, you may hear bangs and clangs. These sounds are a sign that your AC needs immediate attention.
Another sound that points to loose parts is the compressor’s loud humming sound. This is nothing musical. However, it is also not a sign of a serious AC problem.
The humming sound is often a sign that the compressor cover is loose.
2. Refrigerant Leaks
Over time and with unserviced use, your AC will become susceptible to leaks. The reason for the leaks is often due to holes forming in the evaporator or condenser coils.
The holes may result from either of two factors: wear and tear and corrosion.
Corrosion happens when the copper, which is the primary material of the coils, interacts with moisture and volatile organic compounds or VOCs. The reaction creates formic acid, which weakens the copper, allowing holes to form.
Once the compressor attempts to push the refrigerant, the fluid refrigerant will escape through the holes. This is where those terrible screams and squeals originate.
A refrigerant leak is not an AC problem that should be taken lightly. If you suspect a leak, get professional help.
Call an HVAC repair service to help restore your AC to working order.
3. Dirt and Electrical Problems
Another problem that could be why your air conditioner compressor makes loud noise is dirt. Though most ACs come with an inbuilt filter to keep the dirt out, sometimes dirt can escape the filter. This is particularly true if you haven’t had your filters dusted for a while.
Once dust infiltrates your AC, it will affect and halt its effective operation. The dust can act as an internal insulator that restricts heat dissipation.
The ultimate telltale is a clicking and ticking sound.
This loud AC compressor sound may also indicate an electrical problem. Since the two culprits produce similar sounds, you may have to call in a professional to find out what the problem is.
Replacement vs. Repairs
Sometimes, your AC has outlived its duration on your wall. At this stage, replacement may be cheaper than repairs.
If you are experiencing one of the three symptoms above, repairs may be sufficient. But if the problems are ongoing, it may be time for a replacement.
Here are factors to guide your decision-making process:
Model
The model of your AC can help you determine your course of action. An older AC model may not have the most efficient design, so it would be better to replace it if it is constantly breaking down.
This is not because newer is better but because parts may be phased out. And that will make sourcing a nightmare.
Age
How old is your AC? If it has been hanging off that wall for the past six years and constantly giving you trouble, it is time to replace it and not fix it.
Price
Do your calculations and know which approach will be cheaper. Sometimes, repairs are enough.
Resolving AC Problems
From refrigerant leaks to loose parts, several reasons lead down the dark and terrible pipe to a noisy AC compressor. Though resolving the problems may seem daunting, with the right knowledge and team, you will have a smooth working AC in no time.
Read our blog to find out more about handling home repairs.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] From Clanks to Bangs: 3 Culprits of a Noisy AC Compressor […]