Ever turn on your AC only to be greeted by a high-pitched squeal instead of cool, refreshing air? Yeah, not exactly the sound you want to hear when you’re trying to beat the heat.
If your air conditioner is making noise, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down 5 reasons why your AC is squealing and what you can (or should) do about it.
Spoiler: most aren’t easy fixes and you might want to call a HVAC tech.
#1 Loose Or Worn Fan Belt
If your AC starts making a squealing noise, check out the fan belt.
The fan belt is the part that connects the motor to the fan blades, helping the system blow cool air into your space. If it’s loose or worn out, it can start slipping or rubbing against other parts of the AC, creating that squealing sound.
A loose fan belt is pretty common, especially in older AC units.
Over time, belts can stretch or lose their tension. If it’s just a bit loose, it might squeal as it moves. If it’s worn out, the material can get brittle and crack, making the noise even worse.
Either way, the sound isn’t just annoying; it’s a sign the belt needs attention.
Also Read: how can you tell if AC is frozen?
If you’re hearing this kind of squeal, it’s best to get it checked out before the belt snaps or gets stuck. A broken belt = bigger problems + bigger repair bills.
Replacing a worn belt is pretty straightforward for a technician, and it won’t take too long to fix.
#2 Blower Motor Bearings Wearing Out
Another common reason behind that squealing sound could be the blower motor bearings.
These bearings help the blower motor spin smoothly, and over time, they can wear down. When the bearings start to fail, they make a high-pitched squeal as the motor struggles to turn properly.
If the bearings are the issue, you might notice the squeal getting louder when the AC is running for a while. The longer you ignore it, the more damage it could cause.
Eventually, the motor itself could burn out which could cause a complete system failure.
So, as soon as you notice that squealing, it’s time to call in a HVAC to get those bearings replaced.
The good news is, replacing the bearings is an easy fix.
The bad news is, if you wait too long and the motor fails completely, you’ll need to replace the whole motor, which is more expensive. So, don’t put off the repair.
#3 Fan Blades Bent Or Hitting The Housing
This one might sound a little odd, but it happens.
Sometimes, the fan blades can get bent or misaligned, causing them to hit the housing (the part that holds everything together). This can create a squealing or scraping sound.
It’s not just the noise that’s the problem, though – if the blades are hitting the housing, it can cause damage to both the blades and the housing over time.
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The fan blades could get bent for a few reasons: maybe debris got stuck in the fan, or maybe they got knocked out of alignment during a recent cleaning or repair. Either way, when the blades start scraping against the housing, that squeal is pretty hard to ignore.
Fixing this usually means either bending the blades back into place or replacing them if they’re too damaged.
If debris is causing the issue, you can try carefully clearing it out yourself. But if you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s always a good idea to have a pro take a look.
#4 Not Enough Lubrication In The Motor
Another reason for AC squealing sounds is because the motor isn’t getting enough lubrication.
Motors have parts inside that need to move smoothly against each other, and without enough oil or grease, they start to squeak or squeal.
If the motor is dry, you might hear it when it’s running.
This is a problem that’s easy to overlook because motors don’t always need frequent maintenance. But if the lubrication gets low or dries up, you’ll hear it pretty quickly.
The squeal might start soft and grow louder over time.
Fortunately for us, adding some lubrication to the motor can solve the issue fast.
#5 Compressor Bearings Starting To Fail
If the squealing sound is coming from the outdoor unit, it might be the compressor bearings.
The compressor is basically the heart of your AC system. It pressurizes the refrigerant and keeps everything moving. Inside are bearings that help it run smoothly.
When those bearings start to fail, you’ll hear squealing or grinding from outside.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple fix. Compressor problems can get expensive, and if the compressor fails completely, it often means replacing the whole unit which is not fun.
So if you hear squealing outside, don’t wait!
Shut the system down and call in a pro to prevent more damage.
What To Do If Your AC Is Squealing
If your AC is squealing, don’t just ignore it and hope it goes away. Trust me, it won’t.
In most cases, the squeal is a sign that something is wrong, and the longer you wait, the more expensive the repair could get. Here’s what you should do:
- Find out if the sound is coming from inside or outside the unit
- Turn the system off to stop further strain on the parts
- Call a licensed technician to diagnose and repair the issue
- Don’t turn the AC back on until it’s been checked
Also Read: Why Is There Water Leaking From My A/C Unit?
Please don’t try to fix major issues like motor bearings or compressor problems yourself unless you’re experienced. AC systems can be complicated, and messing with them without the right tools can make things worse.
Bottom Line
A squealing AC is definitely not something to ignore.
It’s a sign that something’s off, and while some of the fixes are easy and affordable, others can be more expensive if you wait too long.
So, if you hear that squealing noise, take action, and get your AC checked out.
A little maintenance now could save you a lot of money and hassle later on.