Ductless systems, often called mini-split systems, run quietly, so it can be troubling when yours makes loud noises. Discover what may cause noises in your Apex, NC home and when you should call for help.
Faulty Components
Faulty components will certainly cause unusual noises from your ductless system. You may hear a humming or buzzing from the outdoor unit, which likely indicates a faulty capacitor or compressor. Chattering may indicate a bad contactor, which helps control noises when the compressor starts.
Items trapped in the indoor or outdoor unit often cause a rattling noise. A slight cracking or popping sound from the indoor unit is often just an effect of the indoor unit expanding and contracting due to heat and cold.
Low Refrigerant
Without enough refrigerant, your mini-split system won’t absorb or expel heat properly. While frozen coils are the most common symptom of low refrigerant, you may also hear gurgling.
If you have low refrigerant, chances are there’s a leak somewhere in the system. When the leak is bad enough, you may hear a hissing sound near the location of the leak.
Refrigerant leaks are hazardous. If you hear hissing, shut your system down and call for heat pump repair services.
Something’s Broken Loose
Occasionally things break loose in mechanical systems like a ductless mini-split system. A broken-off part trapped in the unit can make a rattling or banging noise. The sound could also stem from loose parts inside the system hitting the unit’s walls or other components.
It Needs Maintenance
When you neglect maintenance for your ductless heating and cooling system, it may start making unusual sounds. Along with the noises mentioned above, you might hear a grinding noise if motor bearings are dirty or need lubricating, which is part of maintenance.
Many of the unusual noises you may encounter with a ductless system are preventable with proper maintenance. Call to schedule maintenance for your mini-split system with one of our NATE-certified technicians at Lee Air Conditioning.
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