When your air conditioner starts a cooling cycle, you may hear a soft humming coming from the equipment, which is normal. A hissing sound, however, may leave you wondering, “Why is my AC making a hissing noise?”
Hissing from HVAC units is more common than you might think and can have several causes. This guide from Airmech Heating and Air Conditioning, a top provider of AC services in Folsom, CA, outlines the possible causes and how to address them.
Reasons for AC Hissing Noises in Folsom Homes
As summer temperatures rise in Folsom, your air conditioner will work hard to keep your indoor spaces cool and comfortable. Over time, you may get used to the normal sounds the equipment makes. If you find yourself asking, “Why is my AC making a hissing noise?” your cooling system may have one of the following problems:
Refrigerant Leak
One of the most common reasons for hissing sounds in air conditioning units is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a chemical that absorbs heat from indoor spaces and disperses the excess warmth outdoors.
If you hear the noise indoors, the evaporator coil may be the culprit. Other signs of a possible refrigerant leak include:
- Vents blowing warm air instead of conditioned air
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
- Ice or frost on your coils
Fixing refrigerant leaks requires the expertise of a licensed HVAC technician.
Clogged Condenser Coil
A refrigerant leak isn’t the only issue that could cause unusual sounds in a condenser coil. If dirt, dust, and other debris cover the coil, the refrigerant it contains cannot efficiently transfer heat.
To compensate for the inefficiency, the air conditioner will work harder to maintain your desired indoor temperature. Besides causing inconsistent cooling and increased energy consumption, the overworked coils may also emit a hissing sound.
Worn or Faulty Components
Sometimes, air conditioning systems in Folsom experience mechanical problems that produce a range of strange sounds, including hissing. Everything from a damaged compressor to a broken fan belt can contribute to unusual cooling noises.
Replacing damaged or worn parts can stop the noise and improve system operations. However, a whole-unit replacement may be ideal, depending on the extent of the damage.
Compressor Malfunction
An air conditioner can leak refrigerant in various areas, including the compressor. The compressor helps circulate refrigerant through the condenser and evaporator coils.
Since the compressor is under pressure, you may hear a hissing or bubbling sound around your cooling system’s outdoor unit, which houses the compressor and condenser coil. However, the sound may not always indicate a leak. It could be a pressure problem within the compressor itself.
If the pressure inside a compressor is excessive, it may cause a loud hissing or screeching sound, which could last for up to 15 seconds. The sound would typically occur right when the air conditioner turns on.
Air Duct Leaks
Your home’s ductwork can develop tears, gaps, and cracks over time. As air escapes from damaged areas, it causes high-pitched whistling or hissing noises audible through vents. Your air ducts are most likely the reason for unusual sounds if you also have trouble keeping your home cool and your energy bills reasonable.
Internal Valve Issues
If you have a heat pump and are asking, “Why is my AC making a hissing noise?” you likely have a reversing valve issue. Heat pumps can cool and heat Folsom homes. The reversing valve controls the flow of refrigerant, allowing the system to transfer heat from indoors to outside and vice versa.
These valves sometimes get stuck between their heating and cooling modes, leading to hissing noises during cooling or heating cycles.
Although the valve itself could be defective, faulty reversing valves often indicate underlying problems with heat pumps. A thorough inspection by a qualified professional can pinpoint other issues with your equipment.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Inspection With Airmech Heating and Air Conditioning in Folsom Today
Now you have possible answers to “Why is my AC making a hissing noise?” To identify the precise cause, turn to our experts at Airmech Heating and Air Conditioning. Our skilled technicians can determine whether your cooling equipment has a refrigerant leak, a pressure imbalance, or another problem that may be impacting your system’s operations and performance.
Routine maintenance can also help identify and prevent many of these air conditioning issues. Contact Airmech Heating and Air Conditioning today to request services and enjoy the benefits of an AC maintenance plan and timely repairs.