8 Sounds Your AC Unit Makes, the Cause, and the Fix

Air conditioning units normally produce a mild level of sound. However, strange sounds can indicate the need for repairs. The following are eight sounds your AC system might make and what they mean. 

1. Bubbling

Bubbling is one of the sounds an AC unit makes when a problem exists in the drainage pipes. A pipe may have a crack, hole, or other imperfection that allows air and water to get through. To find the problem, you will need to take your AC unit apart to expose the crack or hole. Contacting a certified specialist is best if you need draining line work. 

2. Hissing

Your HVAC system might hiss in protest if you use a filter that isn’t compatible. You might also hear hissing if your air duct is leaking. You can change the air filter yourself if you can find the right part and gain access to where you place it. The ductwork may not be that easy to do by yourself and should probably be handled by a professional. 

3. Clicking

Hearing some clicking sounds from your AC unit is entirely normal. However, continuous clicking might mean your thermostat is going bad. A skilled specialist most effectively handles this complex procedure. 

4. Humming

Humming noises usually occur when electrical problems exist. Thus, you might hear your unit hum if you have a defective relay switch. Your thermostat can also be faulty, and replacing it isn’t a very easy task. An expert may be much more suitable to do the job than you. 

5. Rattling 

Rattling noises can be major or minor. They can happen when sticks and other objects fall into the system. However, they can also occur if you have a defective part or loose fasteners. 

6. Buzzing

Buzzing can come from several components, but the fan is the most common culprit. This sound can also occur if you have dirty condenser coils or loose parts. You can inspect the AC unit and search for visual signs or contact a professional to inspect it for you. 

7. Banging

A banging noise is never a good sign, and it usually means your compressor is on its way out. In some cases, it can mean that certain parts have come loose. If this is the issue, you will most likely need someone to replace the compressor. In the worst-case situation, you might need to replace your whole unit. This result is likely if your system is more than 15 years old.  

8. Screeching

Blower fan motors are notorious for making screeching sounds. Bad bearings in the fan motor can also create this sound. 

You now know most of the sounds that can come from your HVAC system. Staying on the right schedule with your maintenance can prevent some of these issues from occurring. Having someone check your system periodically will expose minor problems when they arise, and you’ll be able to fix them more speedily. 

Get in touch with a trustworthy group of HVAC specialists if your AC is making a hissing noise, and you can ensure that your unit makes fewer strange sounds moving forward.  

Why Not To Service Your Own Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is something that many people rely on to make their homes comfortable and livable during the warmer months. That being said, with a system you use very often, like the air conditioner, it often becomes necessary to work on it and get it back in great shape. The real question is, should you do the work yourself, or get a professional to do the work. Keep reading to find out.

How To Service My Own AC Unit

The biggest issue with this is that when you are doing major repairs or doing a great deal of work on a system that you might not be used to working on, you may cause more damage than good. In cases of major repair like parts replacement, repairing broken parts, replacing belts and so on, it can be very dangerous for you to try to do the work yourself if you are not a professional.

If you do work with HVAC units, then you may very well be able to do the work. For those that might not have the experience or the tools, it is best to stick to things like changing out filters and things that do not take much effort or skill.

Can I Service My AC Myself?

Put simply, yes, you can attempt to service your AC yourself. Unless you are a professional that does work with HVAC units, it is not a great idea to attempt any major repairs on your own. When it comes to a very complicated repair or a system that is a bit difficult, it can be hard to do the work yourself. There is a chance that if you attempt repairs on your own you can cause more damage to your unit and your system.

It can be difficult to wait and get the help of a professional. However, it is important that when you are dealing with very large repairs or very difficult repairs to talk with a professional to get the repairs done. Another issue that you might come up against is that there is the potential that you may get yourself hurt trying to do your own AC services, and you may end up having to go without cool air you can get a professional in to complete the repairs and get your system back up and working again.  

What Are the Benefits of Owning a UV Air Purifier?

As you consider various options to improve the health of your home environment, you may be wondering if a UV air purifier would be a good investment. It could be! If you are considering adding one of these units to your AC services in St. Louis, MO, you could reap the following benefits.

Healthier home life

Air purifiers can trap viruses and bacteria that travel through the air in your home. However, many of these particles are microscopic. This means they may be too small to be trapped by a standard air purifier. Fortunately, a UV air purifier can kill the germs by exposing them to the ultraviolet light.

This results in fewer germs in your home, which, in turn, can reduce the number of illnesses that occur among your family members. In addition to preventing sickness, this reduction in germs can also help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms, to provide further relief to you and your loved ones. It can also help your family avoid eye irritation, rashes and sore throats.

Improved aroma

During St. Louis winters, it can be hard to get fresh air into the home. Stuck inside for the colder months, air can become stale, and your home may become filled with unpleasant odors. UV air purifiers can help reduce the bad smells in your surroundings. The unit keeps the air fresher and more pleasing to your nose.

Reduced utility bills

A UV air purifier uses less energy than other types of air filters and cleaners. It only operates when your AC is operating, so it is not a constant drain on your utilities. The UV air purifier can also prevent particles from clogging your system, which helps it run more efficiently.

Increased cleanliness

UV air purifiers can help your AC services in St. Louis, MO keep your system clean by preventing buildup in your ductwork. It also helps reduce the amount of dust on your home surfaces. Additionally, it can reduce the amount of damage to ceilings and walls that occur when biological particles infest these areas.

Is a UV air purifier right for you?

If these benefits sound appealing, consider contacting your local experts in AC services in St. Louis, MO. Consult with these professionals to determine if a UV air purifier makes sense for your home. Their extensive knowledge of HVAC systems will provide valuable input for your decision. Because different models of air purifiers are also available, these professionals can help you choose the best one for your system.

Reap the benefits

To speak with an expert regarding UV air purifiers, contact the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We understand that replacing or upgrading equipment can be daunting, and we’re pleased to work with industry-leading brands you can trust. Our professionals specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair and furnace cleaning. Serving the area since 1999, we are your go-to source for air purification solutions. Contact us today with any questions or to get started on your next project.

Should I Get a UV Air Purifier to Block Bacteria and Viruses?

You want to make sure you and your family stay healthy. This means making good choices for your home environment. How do AC services in St. Louis, MO come into play? Installing a UV air purifier could help reduce the number of bacteria and viruses that survive in your home.

Of course, installing a UV air purifier doesn’t make your home germ free. You must still take other precautions and complete healthy cleaning measures to protect yourself and your loved ones. Still, a UV air purifier could be a step in the right direction. Here’s how it works.

Clearing the air

When you clean the surfaces of your home, you do so to remove germs from these frequently-touched items. However, bacteria and viruses are airborne, too. You may even release them into the air as you clean your home. If the air is dry, the germs typically stay in the air even longer.

When you use a UV air purifier, it can help remove the bacteria and viruses from the air in your home. This will reduce the chances that anyone living there becomes ill.

Killing the germs

Air purifiers help reduce the number of germs floating around in your home. However, bacteria and viruses are microscopic, and the smallest ones are difficult for air purifiers to catch. This is why adding a UV light air purifier can be more effective. The exposure to the ultraviolet light can kill or inactivate the bacteria and virus particles, even if they manage to escape the purifier itself.

This double-feature purifier can be an important home health tool to minimize the number of germs living in your surroundings. If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of the air in your home, this could be a good way to improve the quality of your air.

Consulting with an expert

The effectiveness of a UV air purifier can be affected by your current AC services in St. Louis, MO. It’s important to consider what system you have in place and determine how it would interact with a new purifier. Consulting with local experts is the best approach to determine an appropriate solution for your home.

Choosing the right professionals

As you contact experts to assist you with your air purifier selection, be sure to look for trusted professionals. Ask about experience and knowledge of purifiers as you choose AC services in St. Louis, MO. Read reviews to see what others are saying about the company to see if this is a business you want to work with for your air purification needs.

Get more answers

For help with determining whether you should get a UV air purifier for your home, contact the team at Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’ve been the area’s go-to source for residential and commercial services since 1999. Our experts specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair and furnace cleaning. We repair all heating and cooling equipment brands, and offer 24-hour emergency service. Contact us today with any questions.

How Can My AC System Impact My Indoor Air Quality?

If you have allergies, they may be at their worst throughout the spring, summer and fall. It may seem that even when you’re indoors, you still have trouble. That may be because your AC system isn’t purifying your air as well as it could be. By investing in air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO, you could improve your indoor air quality and feel better all year round. Read on to learn more about how your AC system can help with your indoor air quality.

Better, more efficient systems

If your indoor air quality is especially bad and you suffer from indoor allergies as well as outdoor allergies all year round, you may consider investing in a high SEER system, which is a more efficient system that will boost your indoor air quality. These systems can run at low power for longer periods of time, which keeps the air moving in your home for longer. It’s better for your air quality to have constantly moving air, and more energy-efficient for the system. Plus, the circulating air constantly passes through the air filter, which purifies it. Look for systems with a SEER of 16 or higher, which will have multiple modes that can change the amount of cooling and airflow delivered.

Boost the air quality with your current system

You may not need to call for air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO to boost your air quality. There are things you can do to your system today to increase the indoor air quality in your home. Make sure you are changing your air filters every season, or every month if you experience a lot of allergens inside the home. Dirty filters not only clog up the system, leading to higher energy bills, but they can’t efficiently filter out the pollen, dust and spores that lead to indoor allergy symptoms. Also, make sure you’re not relying solely on room air conditioners and ductless systems that don’t have proper air filtration. These systems are not built for the entire home and don’t adequately filter air.

You also want to try to keep humidity at a minimum, as humid air carries more contaminants than drier air. Humidity also causes it to feel hotter than it is, which leads to using the AC system more and raising your energy bills. Additionally, high humidity can lead to too much moisture in the system, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. If you live in a very humid climate, you may consider investing in a dehumidifier for your system.

If you suspect your air conditioner is not running efficiently and want to experience better indoor air quality, call Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling for air conditioning service in St. Louis, MO. We provide a full range of heating and cooling services to meet any need your home’s HVAC system may have. We have 20 years in business and a depth of knowledge regarding all things HVAC. Give us a call today to schedule an estimate!