squeaking-air-conditioner

How Do You Fix A Squeaking Air Conditioner

At Clover Contracting, we understand that a noisy AC can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why we have a team of experienced HVAC professionals on staff to help homeowners resolve this problem easily.

Our 24-hour availability and reliable service guarantee will give you peace of mind knowing your AC unit is being professionally taken care of. 

Do you have a squeaking air conditioner? Let us handle it for you so you can enjoy a comfortable temperature inside your home without hearing unexpected noises from it again. For additional help fixing squeaky AC units, read through our comprehensive guide here.

What causes a squeaking air conditioner? 

To effectively address a malfunction in your AC unit, first, it’s necessary to understand what’s causing the issue. Some reasons could include: 

  • Loose screws or connections: AC units may produce an annoying squeak if their screws and fastenings aren’t secured tight enough, leading to loose screws and connections. These can trigger vibrations from their motor and cause metal components to twist or loosen over time. 

Over time, vibrations can twist or loosen connections further, resulting in vibrating or squeaking noises.

  • Worn-out fan belts: When frayed or cracked fan belts connect an AC unit’s motor to its fan blades, they may produce an annoying squeaking sound when in motion. If your air conditioner begins squeaking loudly, this could be caused by worn-out parts rubbing together and creating friction-related noises.
  • Lack of lubrication: Is your air conditioner squeaking? Perhaps all it needs is more lubrication. 

AC motors depend on it to operate smoothly without producing noise, so when the lubricant dries out or wears down it could create frictional resistance between its components. This resistance leads to them rubbing against each other, resulting in an audible squeak when parts rub together.

  • High internal condenser pressure: If your AC unit is operating with excessive internal condenser pressure, it may produce an uncomfortable squeak or squealing noise during startup that lasts only a few seconds before subsiding as soon as the AC stabilizes itself.

As this can be highly hazardous if left unfixed, we recommend consulting a professional immediately.

  • Refrigerant leak: A refrigerant leak can also create noise in air conditioner units, often producing hissing or squeaking sounds.

How do I stop my air conditioner from squeaking? 5 solutions

If your AC unit is making too much of a racket, there are a few ways to resolve it. Home and property owners asking themselves, “Why is my air conditioner squeaking”, may also be curious to explore DIY solutions for fixing their unit.

While some AC unit issues can be repaired with DIY solutions such as air filter replacements, others, such as refrigerant leaks, require professional assistance. For the safety of you and your family, we always advise consulting a licensed technician first. Be sure to power down before making any attempts at repairs!

  • Loose screws or connections: Homeowners can take steps to resolve this problem by inspecting and tightening any loose screws connecting their AC unit to its casing, and any fastenings. They should also look out for signs of misalignment or damage contributing to its squeakiness.

Steps for repair:

  • Step one. Shut off the power. 
  • Step two. Check for any loose screws outside or in the system. 
  • Step three. Tighten all necessary screws and bolts. 
  • Worn-out belts: To replace an old fan belt, turn off the power supply to the air conditioner before removing the fan blade and motor cover. Following this, use a wrench to unscrew the worn-out belt and replace it with a new one. Consult the manual to ensure you purchase the right belt. 

Steps for repair: 

  • Step one. Shut off the power. 
  • Step two. Remove the fan blade and motor cover. 
  • Step three. Unscrew the old belt. 
  • Step four. Replace it with the new belt. 
  • Step five. Replace the blade and cover and ensure everything is secure. 
  • Lack of Lubrication: Homeowners can add lubricant to all moving parts in their AC to reduce friction and improve its performance. There are several types at the local hardware store so make sure the type of lubricant fits with the model. Read your AC manual to determine an appropriate option. 

Steps for repair: 

  • Step one. Shut off the power. 
  • Step two. Locate all the moving parts in your air conditioner. 
  • Step four. Apply a compatible lubricant.
  • Step five. Ensure all parts are secure. 
  • High pressure in the condenser: Homeowners who hear an audible squeaking when turning on their air conditioning should immediately disconnect it, call in a professional for assessment, and refrain from trying to repair themselves, as doing so could be dangerous.
  • Refrigerant Leak: In the event of a refrigerant leak, contact an HVAC technician, as quickly as possible as it could lead to significant long-term damage if left unrepaired. While waiting for an experienced technician to arrive, switch off the power to your air conditioner system.

The above are a few examples of how homeowners can fix various squeaking air conditioner problems. If you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself, contact a professional for assistance. ​​​​

Is a squeaky AC unit dangerous? When to call in the professionals 

A squeaky air conditioner can be dangerous if the issue is not resolved quickly and correctly. If you hear a loud squeaking when the AC starts up, it could indicate high internal pressure in the condenser which can be incredibly dangerous if left unfixed. 

If you’ve tried the above solutions but are still wondering “Why is my air conditioner making a squeaking noise”, you may need to call an HVAC pro. It’s recommended to seek the help of a trained HVAC technician as they have the required expertise to assess issues quickly.

If you feel unsure or inexperienced in dealing with any of the problems yourself, calling in a technician is always your best bet for ensuring that your AC unit remains safe and runs efficiently.

For the best HVAC help, contact Clover Contracting.

At Clover Contracting, our goal is to make sure homeowners can feel safe and comfortable in their homes. Our goal is to provide reliable solutions that keep HVAC units and other home systems quiet while functioning optimally.

Our team of knowledgeable professionals is on hand to diagnose and address the issue at hand, offering long-term solutions to keep your systems working. So don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for squeak-free AC units! 

If you have a concern about your AC unit, it’s always better to play it on the safe side. Call Clover and one of our HVAC professionals can take a look.

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