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Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Ignore AC Noises

July 24, 2023

As temperatures rise in regions like Los Angeles and Santa Clarita, air conditioning becomes an invaluable lifeline for homeowners. While air conditioners were intended to bring comfort and relief from the heat, it’s essential not to overlook any unusual AC noises they produce.

Here at Brody Pennell, a leader in HVAC services since 1945, we hope to shed some light on why homeowners should pay attention to AC noises. By exploring common air conditioning noises, understanding their implications for AC repair, and delving deeper into how air conditioners function, homeowners can gain valuable insights into why not ignoring these noises can bring more benefits than the potential consequences of doing so.

Understanding How Air Conditioners Operate

It is essential for homeowners to understand how air conditioners work to differentiate between normal operating sounds and potential issues. Here are some key points:

Air conditioners use a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant to remove heat from indoor air and provide cool air. Some normal operational sounds include a gentle hum of the compressor, airflow noise, or the occasional click when the system turns on or off. However, any unusual or persistent noise should be taken seriously and examined by a professional AC repair technician such as the Brody Pennell team.

4 Common Air Conditioning Noises And Their Meanings

It is normal for your air conditioner to make noise while turning off and on. However, it is not normal to hear specific sounds frequently, because it can indicate something wrong internally with your air conditioner. Below we have listed common AC noises homeowners experience and likely causes.

Rattling or Clanking Sounds:

  • Loose or damaged components, such as fan blades or motor mounts, can cause rattling or clanking noises.
  • These noises may indicate the need for AC repair in Santa Clarita, CA, as ignoring them can lead to further damage and potential system failure.

Screeching or Squealing Sounds:

  • High-pitched screeching or squealing noises often suggest a problem with the fan belt or blower motor.
  • These noises should not be ignored, as they can indicate issues that may cause the AC unit to stop working altogether.

Grinding or Metal-on-Metal Sounds:

  • Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds may signify worn-out bearings in the blower motor or a malfunctioning compressor.
  • Ignoring these noises can result in severe damage to the system and costly repairs or replacements.

Hissing or Bubbling Sounds:

  • Hissing or bubbling noises often indicate refrigerant leaks, which can affect the cooling capacity of the AC system.
  • Refrigerant leaks not only decrease efficiency but can also lead to health risks. Seeking professional AC repair is crucial in such cases.

Benefits Of Paying Attention To AC Noises

Paying close attention to AC noises and taking immediate action can provide homeowners with several significant benefits. Let’s explore why it’s essential to address AC noises promptly.

  • Early Detection Of Issues
  • Avoid Further Damages
  • Improved Efficiency And Performance
  • Better Indoor Air Quality And Comfort
  • Increased Lifespan Of AC System

Early Detection Of Issues

By paying close attention to AC noises, homeowners can identify potential problems at an early stage and address them before they lead to more significant and expensive repairs. Prompt action could save homeowners from sudden system breakdowns with associated expenses.

Avoid Further Damages

Ignoring AC noises can have devastating repercussions. What may start off as minor rattling or grinding can quickly escalate into damaged components, reduced efficiency, or complete system failure if left unaddressed. By promptly responding to AC noises, homeowners can protect themselves from further damages while potentially avoiding extensive repairs or even replacement of their entire AC unit.

Improved Efficiency And Performance

Unusual AC noises may signal underlying issues compromising the system’s efficiency and performance, which in turn decrease its energy efficiency, increase utility bills, and cause an uncomfortable indoor environment. By addressing and rectifying these noises, homeowners can restore their air conditioners back to optimal functioning.

Better Indoor Air Quality And Comfort

AC noises may signal issues that compromise indoor air quality and comfort, such as hissing sounds caused by refrigerant leakage that compromise cooling performance as well as pose health risks. By promptly seeking professional AC repair in Malibu, CA to address such problems, homeowners can improve indoor air quality and maintain a healthy indoor environment while enjoying consistent cooling comfort.

Increased Lifespan Of AC System

Regular maintenance and timely repairs that address AC noises can significantly extend its lifespan, as ignoring or delaying repairs could place undue strain and stress on its system. By paying attention to AC noises, homeowners can ensure their AC unit operates optimally for longer— saving both cost and inconvenience with premature replacements.

Cost Savings In The Long Run

Addressing AC noises promptly can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. While it may be tempting to overlook minor noises or delay repairs, doing so can result in financial repercussions. By taking action early on, homeowners can reap the following cost-saving benefits:

  • Prevent Major Breakdowns: Minor AC noises often indicate underlying issues within the system.
  • Avoid Costly Emergency Repairs: Ignoring AC noises may lead to sudden system failures or malfunctions, necessitating emergency AC repairs in Los Angeles, CA and surrounding areas.
  • Prolong the Lifespan of the AC System: Regular maintenance and timely repairs based on the observation of AC noises can significantly extend the lifespan of the air conditioning unit.
  • Lower Energy Consumption: Unusual AC noises often indicate inefficiencies within the system, causing it to work harder to provide the desired cooling. These inefficiencies result in higher energy consumption and increased utility bills.
  • Preserve Warranty Coverage: Many air conditioning systems come with warranties that require regular maintenance and timely repairs. Ignoring AC noises may void the warranty coverage, leaving homeowners responsible for the full cost of repairs.

Call Brody Pennell To Assist With AC Noises!

Ignoring any signs that something might be amiss could be a costly mistake. Homeowners should pay attention to any noises coming from their air conditioning unit and seek professional AC repair in Los Angeles, CA as soon as they hear anything that indicates possible problems, in order to minimize further damage, ensure optimal performance and efficiency, and extend its lifespan. Do not underestimate the significance of early detection and fixing issues as this could save you from costly repairs or even an entire system replacement.

Remember, creating an ideal indoor environment starts with having an efficient air conditioning system in place and listening closely for any AC noises—acting swiftly is key! Call Brody Pennell for AC repair in Santa Clarita, CA and tune out any unnecessary sounds from your system so it stays operating efficiently.


About The Author

Brody Pennell

Since 1945, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning is the committed to helping homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area experience total home comfort. In 2021, the readers of the Los Angeles Times voted Brody Pennell the Best HVAC Company in the area.

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Gerry H.
1715389360
Daniel B. and Juan R. were professional and informative. Good company with nice employees.
Darry S.
1715385118
Armando N. Great job. Very helpful and enjoyable to deal with.
LI C.
1715384917
Totally happy with the replacement job. Jose R, Jesus F, Juan Sanchez, Wilson, and Joshua are a wonderful group of professionals. Recommended strongly. I’m so happy to have found B&P AC.
Sonoma Van B.
1715384576
Can’t say enough good things about Brody Pennell and David Mares, our service technician who came out. He was INCREDIBLY thorough and took the time explain everything. Felt he really cared like it was his own HVAC system. He’s super knowledgeable too. He brought a lead tech, Brett Turner out the next day to do an even more thorough inspection on our 24 yo HVAC. Brett was great too. Took the time explain issues and solutions. Thanks so much guys!!
Marisol W.
1715380446
Juan Carbajal & Maurice excellent service. Very happy
georgianna S.
1715375376
Juan Romo was an excellent representative of your company. I was highly satified with his service and would recommend him highly.
Aura Z.
1715373806
Richie and Ariel great job
Tiffany S
1715373400
I really hope Anthony & Stevens win a lot of raffle tickets. They provided great service, were neat, kind and friendly. They seemed really passionate about the work they do. They also gave great feedback on the status of my systems. Great guys and great company!
Tom G.
1715372245
Daniel B and David E were very thorough and helpful
Mark E.
1715366723
armando navarro Very Professional . Gave a very complete explanation of what he did and what needs to be done.
Beverly H.
1715365794
Brian G.
1715299784
Shawn F. was lovely, respectful and on time. Brody Pennell was referred to me by my brother and I appreciate the great referral!----This is my 2nd review. I had my HVAC serviced yesterday and replaced today! Brett Turner and his team yesterday were professional and advised me that my unit was not going to last much longer. They showed me the problems and a new unit just made sense. They squeezed me in today, their team was at my door at 8am and the crane was here shortly after since my unit is on my roof. Frank T., Pascual H., Jesus F. and Joshua M. were all respectful and left the property as nicely as they entered. 5 Star service and made me feel like an important customer.
Owen R.
1715299636
Juan C and Ruben are outstanding. First class service Great work professional and great people
Michelle W.
1715298196
justin H.
1715296915
Update: 5/9/24 Leo H and Tristen fixed my heater leak. They did great detective work and solved the problem!Armando and Benny were great. Highly recommend!
Mra T.
1715292094
Jason was outstanding. Warm personality, thorough analysis and explanation.
Anne B.
1715286396
Everyone we worked with (Rene, Enrique D, Danny P, Jesus F) was timely and professional. We’re happy with our new HVAC system and air scrubbers and are glad we finally got ducts cleaned.
Nicolas P.
1715284167
Rene took very good care of me!
August B.
1715277582
He was great fast and friendly Anthony manzo
Steven N.
1715274372
Jose Rivera was great! Very polite and efficient. He finished everything I needed with no problems. I am really happy. Thank you.
Gerson C.
1715217876
I wish I had taken down the name. It was either Rene or Ruben. Great service agent. Very professional and courteous.
Hadi T.
1715216447
Daniel B. provided me the best service I’ve had thus far. Patient, helpful, super polite, very respectful of my home. It’s people like this that will have me continue to use Brody pennel. I highly highly recommend him and them as a company.
Cathleen H.
1715212052
David M. Just came for my first service with Brody Pennell on my HVAC system. He was polite, informative and extremely thorough. Cleaned the equipment thoroughly and made recommendations. I’m always hesitant when using a new vendor on my home but he was very respectful and on time. Highly recommend.
Nico P.
1715209749
James H. and David E. are incredible professionals. It’s hard to exceed expectations in terms of customer care from Brody Pennell, but James H. and David E. have done it! The semiannual inspection of my HVAC system was very thorough, and they went through every single finding, explaining its meaning. They were also courteous and respectful, and left the areas they worked in cleaner than they were before they came. I’m so impressed with them!
Stephen R.
1715209168
Anthony Manzo Angel Ortiz were the best. Thorough and knowledgeable and friendly. Couldn’t be happier.
Volto U.
1715208658
Mike, Ravi, Brian and Ken were excellent. I've been a customer for decades
Craig W.
1715206765
Juan deJesus. Quick, efficient and nice dude
Robert S.
1715195970
The person jwho came to our home was Juan Rincon. He was able to explain to me what was done for maintenance. He was personable and very pleasant. His partner was Juancha. He was equally pleasant, helpful and efficient.I can recommend these men and the company they work for without reservation.
Lisa F.
1715195697
James and David E were fabulous! So sweet and explained in detail all they were doing! Feels like I made 2 more friends!
Jennifer M
1715119699
Juan Molina Was very thorough in our maintenance. This is the first time we’ve had such a detail oriented technician out to our property. Very pleased with his services.
Blanca H.
1715119068
Juancho and Marcos was great
brian H.
1715115854
Mike I, Raul I, Enrique L, Danny P and Brian G were the crew that came to replace our ductwork and install a new furnace. They were very professional, they worked quickly and cleanly, and were respectful of my home and neighbors.
Marco L.
1715109591
Daniel B y Daniel A fueron muy amables y hicieron su trabajo muy bien!
Sally S.
1715097314
Service Request Commercial Visit HLB Lighting Design Culver City CA- by Anna Ballard Executive Assistant Operations HLB Lighting. I adore the team of JAMES and MAURICE! James and Maurice, they are professional, attentive knowledgeable and shared each step of the progress with photos and detailed information. They listened carefully to my many many questions and provided expert guidance throughout the entire service visit the air units are purring wonderfully and I appreciate their time and work! Looking forward to the their return in 6 months
Sherry O.
1715091169
Juancho did a very thorough job.
Beverly S.
1715061687
Juan Molina provided a thorough explanation of the process for installing a new HVAC system in my home. He detailed costs for replacing the current unit and a specific time frame. Brody Pennell has a true professional in this man. He is an excellent representative of your company. Good job Brody Pennell!Beverly
Katrina N.
1715045644
Christian, Alex, Jose and Diego installed a new unit in our place last week. We're happy with their work. It took some time, but everything was well organized and went smooth. It makes sense to notify your neighbors about possible noise and crew working on the roof, especially if the crane is involved.
Jennifer J.
1715044110
Daniel B. Is the best!
Andrew A.
1715044094
Had a great experience working with Kevin.
Nathan P.
1715037019
Really appreciate the team coming out to get the hvac working. Just in time for our newborn baby. Shout out to David E and Anthony 🙌
Dann G.
1715031718
Anthony Manzo and Daniel Alvila were awesome, they did a great job and I recommend them highly
brianca W.
1715030545
Ivan and Daniel B are amazing!
Rosalba A.
1715030203
Daniel Bautista and Ivan Diaz are great !
Steve B.
1715028782
Update:Ariel and Juan DJ just left after thoroughly inspecting and cleaning 3 sets of heating and air systems and had understable explanations for the work being done, really great (5/6/24)Spencer, Mike and Ariel all were exemplarySpencer smartly contacted Mike to ascertain the full parameters of our problem and while waiting initiated with Ariel our condenser maintenance. And Mike presented us with options that satisfied our needs. Great team
Heymann B.
1715027418
Giovanny was professional, timely and very thorough.
Daniel C.
1715025039
Great service today from Leo H and Tristen. Personable, professional, and thorough.
Kristofer
1715024638
Anthony M and David E were very professional and personable.
Christopher L.
1715023799
I just had a service call with Brody and Juan Carbajal was very professional and knowledgeable. He walked me through his process and got the issue fixed within a couple of hours.
Amy Q.
1714848427
On time and very professional as always. Jose was a great representative for the company. Great communicator, very professional and knowledgeable.
James J.
1714783989
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Gerry H.
1715389360
Daniel B. and Juan R. were professional and informative. Good company with nice employees.
Darry S.
1715385118
Armando N. Great job. Very helpful and enjoyable to deal with.
LI C.
1715384917
Totally happy with the replacement job. Jose R, Jesus F, Juan Sanchez, Wilson, and Joshua are a wonderful group of professionals. Recommended strongly. I’m so happy to have found B&P AC.
Sonoma Van B.
1715384576
Can’t say enough good things about Brody Pennell and David Mares, our service technician who came out. He was INCREDIBLY thorough and took the time explain everything. Felt he really cared like it was his own HVAC system. He’s super knowledgeable too. He brought a lead tech, Brett Turner out the next day to do an even more thorough inspection on our 24 yo HVAC. Brett was great too. Took the time explain issues and solutions. Thanks so much guys!!
Marisol W.
1715380446
Juan Carbajal & Maurice excellent service. Very happy
georgianna S.
1715375376
Juan Romo was an excellent representative of your company. I was highly satified with his service and would recommend him highly.
Aura Z.
1715373806
Richie and Ariel great job
Tiffany S
1715373400
I really hope Anthony & Stevens win a lot of raffle tickets. They provided great service, were neat, kind and friendly. They seemed really passionate about the work they do. They also gave great feedback on the status of my systems. Great guys and great company!
Tom G.
1715372245
Daniel B and David E were very thorough and helpful
Mark E.
1715366723
armando navarro Very Professional . Gave a very complete explanation of what he did and what needs to be done.
Beverly H.
1715365794
Brian G.
1715299784
Shawn F. was lovely, respectful and on time. Brody Pennell was referred to me by my brother and I appreciate the great referral!----This is my 2nd review. I had my HVAC serviced yesterday and replaced today! Brett Turner and his team yesterday were professional and advised me that my unit was not going to last much longer. They showed me the problems and a new unit just made sense. They squeezed me in today, their team was at my door at 8am and the crane was here shortly after since my unit is on my roof. Frank T., Pascual H., Jesus F. and Joshua M. were all respectful and left the property as nicely as they entered. 5 Star service and made me feel like an important customer.
Owen R.
1715299636
Juan C and Ruben are outstanding. First class service Great work professional and great people
Michelle W.
1715298196
justin H.
1715296915
Update: 5/9/24 Leo H and Tristen fixed my heater leak. They did great detective work and solved the problem!Armando and Benny were great. Highly recommend!
Mra T.
1715292094
Jason was outstanding. Warm personality, thorough analysis and explanation.
Anne B.
1715286396
Everyone we worked with (Rene, Enrique D, Danny P, Jesus F) was timely and professional. We’re happy with our new HVAC system and air scrubbers and are glad we finally got ducts cleaned.
Nicolas P.
1715284167
Rene took very good care of me!
August B.
1715277582
He was great fast and friendly Anthony manzo
Steven N.
1715274372
Jose Rivera was great! Very polite and efficient. He finished everything I needed with no problems. I am really happy. Thank you.
Gerson C.
1715217876
I wish I had taken down the name. It was either Rene or Ruben. Great service agent. Very professional and courteous.
Hadi T.
1715216447
Daniel B. provided me the best service I’ve had thus far. Patient, helpful, super polite, very respectful of my home. It’s people like this that will have me continue to use Brody pennel. I highly highly recommend him and them as a company.
Cathleen H.
1715212052
David M. Just came for my first service with Brody Pennell on my HVAC system. He was polite, informative and extremely thorough. Cleaned the equipment thoroughly and made recommendations. I’m always hesitant when using a new vendor on my home but he was very respectful and on time. Highly recommend.
Nico P.
1715209749
James H. and David E. are incredible professionals. It’s hard to exceed expectations in terms of customer care from Brody Pennell, but James H. and David E. have done it! The semiannual inspection of my HVAC system was very thorough, and they went through every single finding, explaining its meaning. They were also courteous and respectful, and left the areas they worked in cleaner than they were before they came. I’m so impressed with them!
Stephen R.
1715209168
Anthony Manzo Angel Ortiz were the best. Thorough and knowledgeable and friendly. Couldn’t be happier.
Volto U.
1715208658
Mike, Ravi, Brian and Ken were excellent. I've been a customer for decades
Craig W.
1715206765
Juan deJesus. Quick, efficient and nice dude
Robert S.
1715195970
The person jwho came to our home was Juan Rincon. He was able to explain to me what was done for maintenance. He was personable and very pleasant. His partner was Juancha. He was equally pleasant, helpful and efficient.I can recommend these men and the company they work for without reservation.
Lisa F.
1715195697
James and David E were fabulous! So sweet and explained in detail all they were doing! Feels like I made 2 more friends!
Jennifer M
1715119699
Juan Molina Was very thorough in our maintenance. This is the first time we’ve had such a detail oriented technician out to our property. Very pleased with his services.
Blanca H.
1715119068
Juancho and Marcos was great
brian H.
1715115854
Mike I, Raul I, Enrique L, Danny P and Brian G were the crew that came to replace our ductwork and install a new furnace. They were very professional, they worked quickly and cleanly, and were respectful of my home and neighbors.
Marco L.
1715109591
Daniel B y Daniel A fueron muy amables y hicieron su trabajo muy bien!
Sally S.
1715097314
Service Request Commercial Visit HLB Lighting Design Culver City CA- by Anna Ballard Executive Assistant Operations HLB Lighting. I adore the team of JAMES and MAURICE! James and Maurice, they are professional, attentive knowledgeable and shared each step of the progress with photos and detailed information. They listened carefully to my many many questions and provided expert guidance throughout the entire service visit the air units are purring wonderfully and I appreciate their time and work! Looking forward to the their return in 6 months
Sherry O.
1715091169
Juancho did a very thorough job.
Beverly S.
1715061687
Juan Molina provided a thorough explanation of the process for installing a new HVAC system in my home. He detailed costs for replacing the current unit and a specific time frame. Brody Pennell has a true professional in this man. He is an excellent representative of your company. Good job Brody Pennell!Beverly
Katrina N.
1715045644
Christian, Alex, Jose and Diego installed a new unit in our place last week. We're happy with their work. It took some time, but everything was well organized and went smooth. It makes sense to notify your neighbors about possible noise and crew working on the roof, especially if the crane is involved.
Jennifer J.
1715044110
Daniel B. Is the best!
Andrew A.
1715044094
Had a great experience working with Kevin.
Nathan P.
1715037019
Really appreciate the team coming out to get the hvac working. Just in time for our newborn baby. Shout out to David E and Anthony 🙌
Dann G.
1715031718
Anthony Manzo and Daniel Alvila were awesome, they did a great job and I recommend them highly
brianca W.
1715030545
Ivan and Daniel B are amazing!
Rosalba A.
1715030203
Daniel Bautista and Ivan Diaz are great !
Steve B.
1715028782
Update:Ariel and Juan DJ just left after thoroughly inspecting and cleaning 3 sets of heating and air systems and had understable explanations for the work being done, really great (5/6/24)Spencer, Mike and Ariel all were exemplarySpencer smartly contacted Mike to ascertain the full parameters of our problem and while waiting initiated with Ariel our condenser maintenance. And Mike presented us with options that satisfied our needs. Great team
Heymann B.
1715027418
Giovanny was professional, timely and very thorough.
Daniel C.
1715025039
Great service today from Leo H and Tristen. Personable, professional, and thorough.
Kristofer
1715024638
Anthony M and David E were very professional and personable.
Christopher L.
1715023799
I just had a service call with Brody and Juan Carbajal was very professional and knowledgeable. He walked me through his process and got the issue fixed within a couple of hours.
Amy Q.
1714848427
On time and very professional as always. Jose was a great representative for the company. Great communicator, very professional and knowledgeable.
James J.
1714783989
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