We know that we talk a lot about sounds your system shouldn’t make, because that’s a vital part of owning an AC unit. Sounds like grinding, shrieking, hissing, and bubbling are pretty much always signs that you need to call our team for heat pump repair in Sarasota, FL.
However, we never really talk about the noises your AC should make. The first reason why we rarely do that, is because heat pump systems and other air conditioners are quiet. They’re easy to forget about while they’re working when they’re working well. So, if you don’t hear anything currently, then that’s not really a bad thing.
Secondly, we just don’t want homeowners to get confused. If you hear a loud or disconcerting noise (especially one that isn’t mentioned down below), then we urge you to call us for help. Let’s try and figure out what these common noises mean.
Air Moving Through the Vents
Your air conditioner cools the air in your home, so it only makes sense that you’d hear air coming through the vents. If that noise is loud or uncomfortable, then you’ve probably got a problem. But for now, the air that comes from your vents and into your room should make a slight “whooshing” noise and we think there’s nothing to be concerned about.
Creaky Ducts
Another common noise that happens when an AC turns on is the creaking and moaning of ductwork. When temperatures change so drastically, from hot to cold or cold to hot, air ducts can expand and contract. Since they’re usually made from sheet metal, they’re going to make creaking noises as they move around and try to deal with the drastic temperature changes.
A Humming Compressor
Your compressor goes through a lot of electricity to pressurize refrigerant and cool things down. One of the reasons why the AC’s outdoor component is outside is because that’s where the compressor is, and it’s usually a little noisy. You’ll notice when you head outdoors that your heat pump’s compressor is humming along, which should be muffled considerably when you’re indoors.
This noise is completely normal, and we’d almost say that not hearing it is a sign of a big problem.
Dripping Noises
People often come to us after hearing their air conditioner drip. It sounds like there’s some kind of leak and we understand the sudden alarm, since there can be refrigerant leaks in air conditioners that can be big problems. However, refrigerant leaks don’t make this kind of noise, and it isn’t as bad as you might think.
When air from the atmosphere collects onto the coils through condensation, the system needs to get rid of it. This liquid water (which was formerly water vapor) drips down the coils and into a pan and then component we call the “condensate drain.” This drain helps flush the water out so your system can keep working in a dry environment.
So, that dripping is most likely water exiting your system. But please tell us if it’s loud or making additional noises.
It’s time to call Jim McDonald & Sons Heating & Cooling Inc. for any of your heat pump repair needs. Cooling Sarasota and Manatee Counties since 1970.