It’s important to notice when something is wrong with your HVAC system. Prompt repairs can make a huge difference in both repair cost and system longevity. But “Watch for these signs of AC trouble” or “Keep an eye out for air conditioner problems” are not actually the most helpful things to say when trying to help homeowners keep tabs on their air conditioners.
This is because the most common early indicators that an air conditioner is struggling are not things you can see. Usually, they’re things you will hear. What sounds does an air conditioner make when it needs repair? What do the various noises mean? We’ve got some details for you.
Don’t worry, you probably don’t have a snake hiding anywhere in your system. Besides, the “hissing” we’re referring to sounds more like air being let out of a tire. Alternatively, you may hear bubbling if this particular air conditioner problem is occurring. What problem is that, you ask?
One of the most common and threatening problems for an air conditioner is short-cycling. This issue is both the symptom of a problem and the cause of more problems. Although sometimes there’s a simple fix—like changing the air filter—in other cases it requires a much bigger repair, and contacting an HVAC professional right away is pivotal.