3 Reasons Your Commercial AC Is Noisy (And What You Can Do About It)
Staying ahead of air conditioning problems is important when it comes to maintenance. Doing this allows you to prevent costlier repairs resulting from faulty issues that have become more serious. One of the easiest ways to identify an issue with your commercial air conditioning system is to listen to the sounds it produces when running. It's not uncommon for your commercial AC unit to produce some level of noise, particularly the outdoor units. However, unusual and louder noises are usually a sign of an underlying problem. Since different AC problems produce different sounds, troubleshooting the noises can help you plan accordingly for the required repairs. Here are some of the culprits for your noisy commercial AC.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant is the cooling agent in your air conditioning system. Also known as the coolant, it flows through refrigerant lines in your unit. The refrigerant is usually pressurized. Therefore, a leak in the refrigerant lines will produce hissing or whistling sounds. Keep in mind, however, that hissing or whistling noises can also be a sign of leaks in your ductwork. To differentiate the two, noises resulting from refrigerant leaks tend to originate from the unit itself. The solution to both problems is to fix the cracks or holes, whether they are in the refrigerant lines or the ductwork.
Failing/Worn Out Blower Belt
The blower motor is a significant component of your air conditioning system. It moves the fan blades, which in turn ensure air flows through the system. The blower belt, usually found on older air conditioning systems, is a part of the blower motor. If the belt is worn out or damaged, you will hear screeching, squealing, or squeaking noises. The sounds are generally transmitted through the ductwork, so be keen to notice any of these sounds coming from your duct system. Faulty blower belts should be replaced.
Loose Components
Loose components in the ducts or the unit will produce rattling, banging or clanking sounds. It could be due to loose screws and bolts, worn fan bearings, worn fan blades, etc. For such problems on your commercial air conditioning system, contact an AC technician to inspect the system to determine the problematic component. Depending on the degree of damage, the solution could be as simple as tightening the loosen components or replacing them if broken. In some cases, especially in the outdoor unit, loose debris, such as sticks and leaves, could be the reason you're hearing the rattling noises. Cleaning the unit should do the trick here.
For more information, contact an air conditioning company.