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It is detrimental never to ignore the noises that come from your AC. No matter how minor or low these sounds seem, always pay attention to them because they indicate something you need to know. More often than not, AC sounds result from something being off and can lead to an air conditioning system not working. So besides the ordinary humming or occasional loud sounds that indicate a cycle coming up, your AC should be relatively noiseless. This is even truer for modern HVAC systems because of improved technology. But what do different sounds mean, and what should you do when you hear them constantly?

1. Buzzing Sounds

You may be tempted to ignore the buzzing sound from your AC because it is not that annoying. Some people consider it soothing, especially if it is not loud. However, most air conditioners are not meant to buzz; it is an indication that something is not working correctly. In most cases, loud buzzing sounds are often due to a malfunctioning compressor or condenser fan motor.

Such buzzing noises often show that your unit has mechanical damage that must be addressed immediately. If the sounds do not disappear, you should consider getting your HVAC technician involved.

2. Clanking, Rattling, and Banging Sounds

These three sounds are often confused with each other. In most cases, they indicate something beng stuck inside the HVAC unit. Debris can easily cause clanking and banging sounds. It could be a loose component that fell off or a twig that found its way into the unit. Besides irritating, such a sound may indicate something more serious is wrong and should not be ignored. At this point, you should switch off the AC unit and have an HVAC technician visit for a close inspection. Loose components need to be tightened and debris removed to restore the unit to its original status.

3. Hissing

Your AC unit should never hiss. Rather than fear that a snake may have found its way into the unit, it could be a concerning issue that could cause severe damage if left unmanaged. Hissing sounds often indicate the presence of leaking gas. The gases used to run your HVAC unit should not find their way out of the tuning, which could jeopardize your safety.

Besides that, it could also lead to toxins finding their way into your home. In case of such a sound, switch off the unit and leave the house. Contact a certified HVAC technician to come and do an inspection. This should be treated as an emergency and handled with urgency.

4. Screaming Sounds

Hard as it may seem to believe, your HVAC unit could have high-pitched sounds that are similar to a person screaming. If you hear such noises consistently, there is a problem with the unit’s compressor. There may be an internal pressure build-up that threatens to burst open. Ignoring the sound may trigger the refrigerant to come out, causing severe risks.

5. Screeching or Squealing

Such sounds often indicate a problem with the belt or compressor motor bearings. It is likely to be experienced in older ACs since modern air conditioners use direct-drive motors. This may warrant a motor replacement.

6. Gurgling Noises

When your unit gurgles, there is a high possibility of a problem with clogged drains. It is also possible that the condensate pump may be malfunctioning. Have a technician inspect and fix the issue to prevent sewer smells from rising into the HVAC syste