Why is My AC Unit Making a Squealing Noise? When transitioning from winter to spring weather, it could mean any number of things when your air conditioning unit needs some routine maintenance. With our last post, we walked you through necessary steps to take in preparing your outdoor AC unit for the more regular usage that the weather shift requires. Cleaning and maintaining is one thing, but what if after all that there is still a high-pitched squealing noise? It’s highly more likely that you’ll experience this in the spring, as your compressor/capacitor has been exposed to the winter elements for months at a time (including ice). What could this sound mean and is there an easy way to fix it? If you’re experiencing this issue, it is likely one of three things: the bearings on your condenser fan’s motor, the belt connecting the motor to the blower has slipped, or it’s actually not a problem at all. Here are a few tips to help diagnose the problem and a pointer on how to fix your noisy AC unit.

If it’s not a problem – Many units emit a slight squeal under normal operation. This is especially the case when, at this point in the year, it has been sitting for several months and just needs to work out its kinks. A good indication that this is in fact the case is the brevity of the noise. If it’s nothing to worry about then the noise will be slight and only last for a few minutes. If it’s any longer than a few moments and any louder than ‘slight,’ then you should investigate other causes (see below). If it’s the belt connecting the motor to the blower – Most newer units do away with the belt system. If you have an older unit and happen to know that it is belt driven, then the issue is more than likely that the belts have been worn over the years and have slipped. You’ll hear this noise both outside and coming through the vents inside your home. If this is indeed the cause, your next step would be to replace the belt or call us. If it’s the bearings attached to your unit’s condenser fan – All newer units have direct-drive motors (meaning no belts).

These sorts of units use a fan to draw air across the condenser coils located inside of your compressor. If you have a direct-drive motor then you will hear the squealing or grinding coming from your outside unit. Houses For Sale In Raheny IrelandThis means that the bearings on the fan motor are shot and the motor will need to be replaced. Bali Vinyl Blinds InstallationWe strongly urge you not to fix this on your own as it could increase the amount of damage to your compressor, resulting in a more costly fix.Carpet Cleaner Rental Wolverhampton As you gear up for cold weather, do you experience a potent smell when you turn on your heater? Visit this blog post for simple DIY ways to identify and fix the odor(s) before the Winter hits!

Using a motor lubricant or spray lubricant on the motor shaft to temporarily relieve the noise is a temporary fix. This, however, is NOT a permanent fix and the problem should be tended to by a professional as soon as possible. Your HVAC (AC) unit could be overworked! There are several reasons that this could be the case. Most commonly it is working too hard to decrease the humidity level inside of your home. Click here to learn from us how to decrease your in-home humidity level. We offer whole home dehumidifiers which will significantly decrease its level as well as lengthen the life of your AC unit! That’s where we come in! Schedule an appointment with BR McGinty today to get your AC unit in proper working condition for the spring! And if your AC unit smells funny when you turn it on? Click here for our input! Or click HERE if it’s leaking!No membership or credit card requiredGet StartedNo thanks, I'm not quite ready.Home Guides Home Home Improvement Air Conditioner Makes a Squealing Noise Email Reddit Central air conditioning systems include an indoor evaporator unit and air handler as well as a large outdoor unit that contains the compressor.

Each time the system starts a cooling cycle, many different mechanical sounds are produced. However, squealing from an air conditioner is not normal, and suggests that there is a mechanical problem within the compressor or the air handler components. Motor Malfunction A malfunction in the compressor's motor is a common cause of squealing. Typical malfunctions include a loss of lubricant, worn-out bearings, the motor's fan blades rubbing against the housing, bent fan blades, or damaged coil fins. Debris such as a fallen stick that is stuck in the compressor's housing can also result in a squealing noise as the fan's blades hit the stick. Air Handler Problems Problems with the air handler may cause a squealing sound that is louder indoors than outside. The air handler continues to run for a moment after the compressor shuts off, so if the squealing continues after the compressor stops, the problem lies within the air handler. A malfunctioning blower motor, dirty motor, fan motor bearing, or a bent fan blade can all make the air handler squeal.

: Air Conditioner Is Loud or Noisy Suggest a Correction Decorating Bathroom Mirrors Decorating bathroom mirrors is something that you can ... How to Decorate With 9-Foot Ceilings When decorating with 9-foot ceilings, one thing that ... How to Decorate a Door Using Grapevines Decorating a door using grapevines is a really great ... How to Decorate Tables With Crystals Decorating tables with crystals can really dress up ...Carl’s Corner – Auto Repair Help DIAGNOSE – I HEAR A LOUD SQUEAL WHEN A/C IS TURNED ONBy Carl A loud squeal is produced when the A/C is turned on. This symptom is usually caused by a loose or worn air conditioning compressor belt. When the A/C is activated the compressor is engaged. This places a load on the engine and the drive belt that rotates the compressor. If the belt is loose or worn the belt can slip on the compressor pulley and emit a loud squeal. The drive belts should be inspected for proper tension and wear. A properly tensioned belt should have aproximately 1/2″ of deflection at its greatest span between pulleys.