What Does That Hissing Sound From My Air Conditioner Mean?

WHAT DOES THAT HISSING SOUND FROM MY AIR CONDITIONER MEAN?

What Does That Hissing Sound From My Air Conditioner Mean?

Your home makes a symphony of noises. While some of those noises are normal, others are an indication of trouble. By knowing what noises are expected and what noises are red flags, you can repair issues before they become a major headache. This is particularly true for your AC. If you hear a hissing noise coming from your air conditioner, you need an HVAC in Stephenville, TX. Find out what the noise means and how a professional can help.

Why You Need To Listen To Your AC

Sure, you could ignore the sounds made by your air conditioner. But doing so comes at a very high cost. If your AC is hissing, there’s a good chance the problem is serious. The longer you take to fix it, the more wear and tear on your system.

At first, you might be able to get away with a cheap and easy repair. But, as time goes by, the problem will worsen. Unreported issues will almost certainly result in a completely broken AC. Rather than pay for a quick repair, you could be left with thousands of dollars in debt on a new HVAC system.

Fixing your AC early on also prevents discomfort. If you wait for your AC to fail, you won’t have any way to stay cool. At the height of summer, you could be forced to stay in a hotel or with a family member. By listening to your AC, you save yourself from extreme temperatures and uncomfortable situations.

Finally, there’s the issue of your energy bills. When an air conditioner doesn’t work well, it uses a lot of energy. For months, your energy bills could be incredibly high. You could be losing hundreds of dollars in wasted energy, and it’s all preventable by caring for your AC.

Air Conditioners Need TLC

It all comes down to the fact that your AC won’t last forever. Even if you give your HVAC system regular maintenance, it will need repairs and has a certain lifespan. Just think of how often you rely on your AC to keep your home comfortable. In the summer months, your air conditioner works overtime to make your home a cool, pleasant place. You probably end up using your air conditioner in the fall and spring as well.

If you aren’t in tune with your AC, you won’t notice when it’s about to fail. You deserve a cooling system that works, and your HVAC system deserves attention. Unfortunately, ACs don’t have a computer that sends you a report when something is awry. The technology isn’t there yet, and you need to rely on other methods to identify problems.

With regular inspections and maintenance, you improve your chances of spotting trouble. But what happens in between maintenance calls? You can listen in to your system to pinpoint issues.

Diagnosing The Hissing Sounds

If you notice a hissing sound coming from your AC, it’s probably not a snake trying to get your attention. All of the following are common causes of hissing noises:

  1. Refrigerant Leak: The refrigerant in your system is on a closed, pressurized circuit. If there’s a leak in your refrigerant lines, the gas will escape and make a hissing noise. This could eventually lead your air conditioner to fail completely.
    When an AC doesn’t have enough refrigerant, the components of your system suffer. It may only be a few weeks before you need to replace your compressor or have another costly repair. It’s also worth mentioning that refrigerant is a hazardous material. Only an experienced professional can repair refrigerant leaks and refill your refrigerant.
    If you have Freon as a refrigerant, you could be in for a surprise. The Freon phaseout has made the refrigerant be in very short supply. Because no one in the US is allowed to manufacture refrigerant, the gas must come from existing appliances and supplies. You may need to replace your HVAC system with one that uses a safer refrigerant.
  2. Internal Valve Leak: The compressor plays an essential role in your AC. Unfortunately, it’s also vulnerable to wear and tear. If you hear a hissing noise, it could come from a leak on the compressor valve.
    The valve has the role of controlling the pressure on the refrigerant. If the valve doesn’t work properly, the refrigerant can’t do its job. An annoying hissing sound will be the least of your trouble, and you will find yourself with an AC that doesn’t cool your home. You should call for air conditioning repair as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
  3. Compressor Problems: Although the compressor valve is important, you could argue that the compressor itself is even more important. If the pressure inside the compressor is too high, it will malfunction and make a hissing noise. As the most expensive part of your AC, a broken compressor might not be worth repairing.
    Typically, compressor issues sound more like a shrieking than a hissing. Whichever noise you hear, you know it’s not a good thing. An HVAC technician can come out and tell you whether or not your compressor is good. If it no longer works, it might be cheaper to get a new AC.
  4. Expansion Valve: If you’re lucky, the hissing sound is normal. As the expansion valve moves, it sometimes makes a hissing noise. However, this sound isn’t steady and only lasts for a few seconds at a time.
    In any case, you should still call an HVAC technician about your concerns. There is no reason to put off a diagnosis or repair, and we’re ready to help.

Who To Call For Your HVAC In Stephenville TX

If you hear a strange sound coming from your AC, you can trust us at Daffan Cooling and Heating to help. We know how to identify problems quickly and how to provide thorough but quick repairs. Whether the hissing is a broken compressor or nothing to worry about, we want to put your mind at ease. Reach out to us today and schedule an appointment.

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