Atlanta, Georgia – During the course of the summer while you were frequently running your AC unit, you may have noticed some strange noises coming from your HVAC unit. Some are no cause for concern, but others should have you calling your air conditioning repair company.

Chirping sounds coming from an HVAC unit are typically not a cause for concern. If your unit hasn’t been used for a little while, this sound could just signal it is warming back up. Allow your air conditioning unit to run for a few minutes to see if the sound goes away. If it doesn’t, or if it grows worse over time, call your air condition repair technician to inspect your unit. A continuous chirping could be the sign of a belt that needs to be replaced.

“A clicking sound should have you calling your repair company right away,” says Phil Montgomery, owner of Atlanta Heating & Air Conditioning, who repairs air conditioners and furnaces in Atlanta. “A clicking may be a problem with the relay, and an expert should always be called to inspect and repair the electrical portions of a unit.”

A squealing sound could indicate your outdoor fan is failing. If you hear a screeching your compressor could be failing. Both of these sounds should send you running for your repair company right away. Your unit may need to be completely replaced.

Rattling sounds can be fairly common. Objects such as sticks and leaves can get stuck in the condenser unit outside. Always be sure to keep the unit free of debris to prevent serious damage. A loose fan or a motor that is beginning to wear out can also make rattling noises. Homeowners don’t always need to call their repair company right away if they hear these noises. If the sound goes away, it is no cause for concern. However, if it worsens or continues, your unit could be beginning to fail. A licensed technician will be able to inspect the unit and correct the problem or recommend replacement.

“HVAC systems make many noises,” says Montgomery. “Motors that aren’t properly lubricated, loose screws, etc. can all cause strange noises. Many of the noises you may hear are not cause for concern, while others could be a sign your unit is on its last legs. If you are concerned about how your unit is functioning, always call a professional to inspect your unit. If you’ve had issues this summer, now is the time to schedule an inspection so any issues can be corrected before next summer.”