The air conditioner in your Largo, Florida, home cycles on and you hear a strange sound. What do you do? While some are concerned and try to find the cause of the problem immediately, many, because of the cost, put off repairs for as long possible. However, understanding the problems behind the grinding, grating, and humming sounds coming from your HVAC allows you to save money and tackle the problem early on. Here’s how to know when your HVAC system needs repairs.

Squealing and Screeching Sounds

A loud squealing sound could indicate either a belt wearing down or issues with the motor bearing. Belts should be replaced as soon as possible because if they break, the blower motor will stop turning and additional issues could follow. Fortunately, belts are not a very expensive fix. Your blower motor could also be screeching because it needs lubricant.

Scraping or Metal-on-Metal Sounds

If you start to hear this sound, turn off your system as soon as possible and call your HVAC contractor. Loud scraping (think nails on a chalkboard) or the sound of metal clanging against other metal could indicate that a piece of the blower motor has come loose and is slamming into another blower housing. This sound could also mean that the blower wheel has broken completely.

Repeated Clicking Sounds

You likely often hear clicking within your HVAC system whether it’s on or off, but it shouldn’t be constant. A consistent clicking sound indicates that something may be wrong with the electrical relays running through the system. Never try to fix electrical HVAC issues on your own.

In all of these cases, it is important to contact your licensed HVAC professional as soon as possible. If you catch these HVAC issues early, you’ll save on both stress and repair costs. We at United Air Conditioning would be happy to take a look at your system and conduct any necessary repairs.