You should always expect your A/C system to make noise when it’s running, but a thumping sound can signify a problem with your air conditioner. However, there are numerous reasons why your air conditioning could be making a thumping sound, so you should have it inspected by a licensed HVAC technician if it’s making noise.
Determining the Sound
Much like strange car sounds, people often have trouble accurately describing the sound that their air conditioner is making. Luckily, there are three main sounds that you may hear from your A/C if things aren’t running right: rattling or thumping, screeching, and hissing.
A hissing sound is indicative of a leak in either the compressor or the refrigerant line, so you should have your A/C system checked out as soon as possible if this is the sound you hear. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous and can decrease energy efficiency.
A screeching sound, on the other hand, is often an indicator that the pressure in your A/C’s compressor is too high. You should shut the unit off immediately if this is the case as it can be dangerous.
Thumping Noise
If you hear a thumping or banging noise coming from your A/C unit, it probably means that something is coming loose inside the unit. This could be just about anything, although the culprit is often the fan or its parts. If you let a part loosen too much, it can damage the other parts of your air conditioner and lead to even more costly repairs.
As soon as you hear a thumping noise coming from your air conditioning system, you should shut your air conditioner down immediately and call an HVAC technician.
Normal Sounds
There are many sounds you’ll hear from your A/C system which are actually normal. If all you hear is a whirring, popping, or single thumping sound, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. These sounds all occur as part of an air conditioner’s standard operation and shouldn’t be taken as a sign that something is wrong.
The Fix
If you’ve suddenly noticed a strange thumping, screeching or hissing noise coming from the air conditioner in your Cahokia, IL, home, shut it off and give Morrison Plumbing, Heating and Air a call at [hls_phone_number]. Our HVAC technicians can diagnose and fix your air conditioning problem so you can safely and efficiently cool your home all summer long.
