In this HVAC tech tip, Scott from Bud Anderson Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical reminds us to be sure and always turn the system off at the thermostat in the event that the outdoor unit begins making loud noises. It’s always best to call a professional HVAC contractor like Bud Anderson to track down the problem, fix any issues, and prevent any damage if your system is making unknown sounds.
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Different sounds usually point to different problems. A grinding or squealing noise often means a motor bearing is wearing out. Rattling can mean a loose panel, fan blade, or a piece of debris caught in the outdoor unit. A hissing sound may point to a refrigerant leak, while loud banging or clanking often signals a part has broken loose inside the compressor. None of these are things to wait out, since running the system while a part is failing tends to turn a moderate repair into a full compressor or motor replacement.
Turning the system off at the thermostat, as Scott mentions in the video, stops the immediate risk of further damage while you wait for a technician to take a look. From there, a diagnostic visit can pinpoint exactly which part is causing the noise and what it will take to fix it, rather than guessing based on the sound alone.