My husband and I have spent a lot of time consulting with an architect. After living in our cramped, starter home for the past 11 years, we were finally ready to make some needed changes to it. We have added an extra 600 square feet of space onto our house. Before the construction began, we finalized the plans for our new heating and air conditioning unit with our HVAC contractor. Because our home was going to be substantially bigger than it is now, we purchased a larger HVAC system. We also installed a new, digital thermostat inside my home. On this blog, I hope you will discover the best types of HVAC units to buy for mid-size homes. Enjoy!
Switching on your AC for the first time each summer should be done with attention to details. This is because you want to recognize any warning signs of impending trouble now, at the beginning of the cooling season, rather than later when the temperature outside is unbearably hot. Your ears are one of your best diagnostic tools when it comes to your AC. Listen carefully for the following trouble signs as the system begins running.
Symptom #1: High pitched squealing or screaming noise
This noise occurs right when you first turn the system on. It may last for several minutes before dying down. The cause is the compressor in your AC. Pressure is building up in the compressor, which causes it to "scream" when you first turn it on. This can actually cause the compressor to explode, so it's vital that you turn off the AC immediately and have it professionally serviced. This isn't a fix you want to attempt yourself.
Symptom #2: Consistent squealing that doesn't stop
This squealing usually remains consistent in pitch, and it continues for as long as the AC is running. The cause is usually either a lubrication or a belt issue. All AC units have a fan in the blower, which has bearings in it that help it run smoothly. Occasionally you will need to lubricate the bearings. In rarer instances, the bearings may need to be replaced. Some units have a belt that runs the fan. Squealing sometimes comes from this belt when it needs to be replaced.
Symptom #3: Banging noises from the exterior unit
A banging or metallic clanging noise from the exterior unit when the AC is running is likely caused by the fan hitting something inside the AC unit. This could be caused by something that has gotten into the AC covering, or it could be that the fan has come loose and is hitting the cover. You can shut off power to the AC, remove the cover from the outside unit, and try to find and fix the culprit.
Symptom #4: Clicking or humming reminiscent of vibration noises
These noises are just reminiscent of vibration, they are caused by vibration. The outdoor unit is usually equipped with vibration pads, which absorb these noises so you don't have to hear them. If the pads are shot or if the unit has been damaged so it no longer rests on the pads correctly, then you will hear vibration noises. You should have the unit inspected and the pads replaced, if necessary, since excessive vibration can damage the components in your AC.
For more help, talk to an AC repair contractor in your area. Lots of information is also available online. Check it out here.
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