
Why Is My AC Making This Sound?
While November may signal cooler temperatures for many parts of the country, the Southwest knows it’s just a matter of time before the intense heat returns. Even as the weather cools off, staying prepared for any cooling issues with your air conditioning system is essential. One way to spot trouble early is by listening to your system.
If your air conditioner makes strange sounds, it could be a sign of potential problems that need addressing. Knowing these warning signs and taking prompt action can prevent expensive damage to your AC unit. Here are some familiar AC sounds and what they may indicate.
Clanging and Banging
If your air conditioner produces rattling or banging noises, you may have a loose component in the system. It could be a damaged fan blade hitting against the cabinet or an off-kilter blower assembly. Running your AC with these issues can lead to further damage over time and reduce its performance.
Identifying the Issue
When you hear rattling or banging noises from your air conditioner, it’s essential to identify the source of the sound. It can help you determine the severity of the problem and the necessary steps to address it. In most cases, the noise is caused by a loose or damaged component within the system.
Checking the Fan Blade
One common cause of clanging or banging noises is a damaged fan blade. Over time, fan blades can become bent or loose, causing them to strike against the cabinet when the system is running. Inspecting the fan blade for signs of damage and ensuring it is securely attached can help resolve this issue.
Inspecting the Blower Assembly
Another potential source of noise is an off-kilter blower assembly. It is responsible for circulating air throughout your home. If it becomes misaligned or damaged, it can produce loud noises when the system operates. Inspecting the blower assembly and realigning or replacing damaged components can help eliminate the noise.
Tightening Loose Components
If you suspect a loose component, such as a fan blade or a mounting bracket, is causing the noise, tightening these components to prevent further damage is significant. However, make sure to turn off the power to your air conditioner before attempting any repairs to avoid injury.
Professional Inspection and Repair
If you’re unsure about the cause of the noise or if tightening loose components doesn’t resolve the issue, contact a professional HVAC technician for inspection and repair. They have the knowledge and expertise to safely identify and resolve any problems with your air conditioner.
Preventing Future Issues
To prevent clanging or banging noises from occurring in the future, regular maintenance for your air conditioning system is essential. A professional technician can inspect your system, tighten any loose components, and ensure that it is running smoothly to avoid future problems.
Screeching
A screeching sound typically indicates a worn belt or insufficient lubrication. When metal components lack proper lubrication, they can emit a screeching sound when they rub against each other. Be sure to address this issue quickly to avoid a complete belt failure, which could result in your AC system not functioning correctly.
Identifying the Source
When your air conditioner emits a screeching sound, it’s crucial to identify the source of the noise. It can help determine whether the issue is a worn belt or insufficient lubrication, which requires different solutions.
Checking the Belt
A worn or loose belt often causes a screeching sound. The belt joins the motor to the fan and other components. Over time, the belt can wear out or become misaligned, causing it to screech when the air conditioner is running. Inspecting the belt for any wear and tightening or replacing it as necessary can resolve this issue.
Inspecting for Insufficient Lubrication
Insufficient lubrication can also cause metal components to screech when they rub against each other. Inspecting the components for any wear and ensuring they are adequately lubricated can help eliminate the screeching noise. Using the manufacturer-recommended lubricant is essential to prevent damage to the components.
Addressing the Issue Promptly
It’s essential to address a screeching noise promptly to prevent further damage to your air conditioner. Ignoring the noise can lead to complete belt failure or damage to other components, resulting in costly repairs.
Ignoring a screeching noise from your air conditioner can lead to more severe issues. If left unaddressed, a worn belt can break entirely, causing your system to stop working. Additionally, the screeching sound can signal other underlying problems that must be resolved to ensure your AC’s optimal performance and longevity. Therefore, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician when you notice any unusual noises from your air conditioner.
Replacing the Belt
If the screeching noise persists after tightening the belt, it may be necessary to replace it. A professional HVAC technician can inspect the belt and replace it with a new one if necessary. They can also ensure the new belt is properly aligned and tensioned to prevent future issues.
Regular Maintenance
To prevent screeching noises from occurring in the future, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning system. A professional technician can inspect the system, lubricate moving parts, and replace worn belts to keep your air conditioner running smoothly.
Hissing
A hissing sound coming from your AC could signal several potential problems. It could indicate leaks in your ductwork, with the sound of air escaping from the system. Alternatively, it could be a refrigerant leak, with the hissing sound caused by the expulsion of refrigerant from the system. Here is what you need to do when you hear hissing AC sounds.
Identifying the Source
When you hear a hissing sound coming from your air conditioner, it’s essential to identify the source of the noise. It can help determine whether the issue is a ductwork or refrigerant leak, requiring different solutions.
Inspecting the Ductwork
One of the common causes of a hissing sound is leaks in the ductwork. Checking the ductwork for any signs of damage, such as holes or gaps, can help identify the source of the hissing noise. Sealing the ductwork with duct tape or mastic sealant can help eliminate the noise and improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Checking for Refrigerant Leaks
Another possible cause of a hissing sound is a leaky refrigerant. Refrigerant is vital for your air conditioning system, and a leak can affect cooling and may damage the compressor. If you suspect a leak, you must contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair the leak.
Repairing the Leak
If the hissing sound is due to a ductwork leak, repairing the leak promptly can help improve your AC’s efficiency and reduce energy costs. For refrigerant leaks, it’s essential to have a professional fix the leak and recharge the system with refrigerant.
Preventing Future Leaks
It’s important to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning system to prevent future hissing sounds. A professional technician can inspect the system, seal any ductwork leaks, and ensure adequate refrigerant levels. Regular maintenance can ensure your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently.
Ensuring Proper Installation
Proper air conditioning system installation is essential to prevent leaks and ensure efficient operation. If you’re experiencing hissing sounds or other issues with your air conditioner, you must contact a technician to inspect the system and make any necessary repairs.
Get AC Repairs Today!
Don’t ignore any signs of trouble with your air conditioner, whether auditory or otherwise. Any irregularities or weird AC sounds could mean underlying problems that need attention. Contact Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing at the first sign of trouble for expert service! Your home comfort is our top priority.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us



Would use Goetll (and Andrew) again!




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Recommended!

We appreciate the information and expertise, and we're looking forward to getting excellent service.





Sally


Thank you David for a job well done.

Johnthan, Thank you so very much for conducting the plumbing assessment of my home this morning. Your professionalism, expertise and personal demeanor were outstanding. Your patience, knowledge and customer educational skills were greatly appreciated, and I am a much better informed customer when it comes to the status, potential issues and how to resolve any water/ plumbing related issues that may arise in the future.
Again, thank you.
Abdiel Chavez, technician came out today to perform my heating system check. He was very professional and thorough in his assessment. It was a pleasure seeing him again as he was the initial technician to come to my home when I first moved here, so it was like having a visit from an old friend. Thank you Abdiel.












Damian was wonderful. He is a great asset to the Goettl team. Thank you for quick, reliable service.




...... we had an AC problem a few days later. Peter Medelez from Goettl came out and fixed it expertly and made some recommendations to ensure it won't happen again. Some things hadn't been done correctly when it was installed several years ago (by someone else), and he will be back next week to fix them. I highly recommend Goettl.
... 10/15/25 ... we had a leak in the main water line which was running into the neighbors' yard. In less than two hours of calling Goettl, Clayton Purvis arrived to fix the leak. He repaired the leak and fixed connections, and repaired something previously done incorrectly in the unknown past. He was done before we had to leave for a prior equipment. I feel confident in the quality of work, as I always am when I have to call Goettl for something.



Elvin did a professional job, very satisfied with his work.and he had the time to explain everything to me.thank you






Update: Jeremy Ortega was awesome did a great job taking care of us and our unit !! Informed of prevention and ways to keep our system healthy highly recommend!!


Parker has a lot of knowledge and doesn't hide anything, or even treat me like I may not know what I'm looking at. I really appreciate everything he has done today, his hard work, and his kind heart. I will be requesting him going forward.

We couldn’t be happier with his service and recommendations. We were very happy with the fast service and the excellent team installing our unit! They were installing the new unit the next day and they were very professional and did an excellent job!
Thank you for all for the quality and excellent service and advice!
Bruce Spears and Donna



Had Andrew come out to remove garbage disposal and repipe sink. He also swapped out 13 emergency water shut off valves in 3 bathrooms.
Andrew was professional, courteous and expedient. He did have to run out to get some supplies. He stayed until 7pm to complete the job on one trip.
May 2023 update. Technician Steve came today to do the summer rejuvenation. Friendly and professional tech. Explained the process and findings. Both systems are new, so everything checked out good. Did a god cleaning of coils and now all set for the summer season. Had them out for fall prevention service and to review the systems that are here. I just bought the house and needed to understand what was in place.
The service tech, Kevin was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He explained and provided photos and video of all components. He ensured keeping house clean and wore booties.
My second unit is not in the best shape, and Kevin explained each of the issues. I will follow up with service managér to determine next steps (repair or replacement).
I signed up for there service plan and am very pleased with the service and communication to date
12/21 Luis C came today to do routine maintenance on hot water heater. Professional and courteous. He did a through job and explained everything.
10/15. Juan came today and did a great job. He was professional, courteous and friendly. Was here for exterior water bid but also did a hot water heater. Took his time and explained everything.








Thanks for an excellent job.






If there was a 6th star, he’d be getting it!







Ralph also did a great job with installing water softener and garbage disposal. I believe Rudy also came by and helped.
Juan also did a great job with installing a new kitchen faucet and fixing a leak I had.













Thank you Preston










Professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Very polite and courteous
Also installed surge protectors on the the condensers






We’ve been Goettl customers for years and have always appreciated their service, but Kevin Edwards truly raised the bar. During his visit yesterday, Kevin showed outstanding attention to detail and technical expertise. He thoroughly inspected every part of our HVAC system, documenting his findings with photos and clearly explaining issues that had gone unnoticed through several previous service visits.
Kevin discovered that our HVAC system had been improperly installed when the home was built—something no other technician had identified. He explained how that flaw had created a chain of problems affecting the furnace, cooling system, and overall efficiency. Because the system uses an outdated refrigerant, repairs weren’t a viable long-term solution, and Kevin guided us toward a responsible upgrade plan.
While no homeowner wants to replace a system after only seven years, we’re grateful Kevin uncovered these hidden issues before they caused a catastrophic failure. His thoroughness, honesty, and professionalism turned a potential headache into peace of mind. Kevin is an exceptional representative of Goettl, and we recommend him without hesitation.

I want to express my complete satisfaction with the work performed by Frank Piusseaux, a technician from Goettl.
For months, several technicians tried to identify the issue with my air conditioning unit, but no one could solve it. However, from the moment Frank arrived, he showed great professionalism and dedication. He took the time to carefully investigate the cause of the problem and determined that the issue was a short circuit in the wiring between the thermostat and the unit.
Thanks to his knowledge and effort, my air conditioning system is now working perfectly.
I truly hope that Goettl recognizes the value of having such a skilled, responsible, and committed employee. Technicians like him make a real difference and deserve special recognition, even a financial incentive, for the value they bring to the company.
Thank you very much, Frank, for your excellent work!











Great service great company. Will definitely be using for future HVAC needs.


Great communication.
Explained everything in detail.
Took before and after pictures.











I called Goettl and set up an appointment.
Mike H arrived on time and with his extreme knowledge and experience, he was able to replace the tank and give my system a much needed flush. Mike was so courteous and polite and answered all my questions and gave me advice on the how and why this happened and how to avoid this in the future.
Thank you Goettl and thank you Mike!







This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.


Jerry also noticed our water pressure was low after flushing toilet then trying to wash hands in bathroom sink which were so he suggested a new pressure regulator as we have had a new better water conditioning system installed. We now have the best water pressure even when using a shower and kitchen sink faucet at the same time. Also Jerry is a master plumber and we appreciate his knowledge and experience. Will definitely call Goettl again when a plumber is needed.
Ralph & Kathy Lesmeister



Darean Guerra today. He arrived on time and took the time to explain what he was going to do. He was very knowledgeable which helped me trust what he was doing. He left his work area clean. I am very pleased with his work.




Now we have a new flange, installed correctly, and ready for the new toilet!








The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!

I definitely recommend Goettl for all your needs.

Nick was helpful, friendly and professional in scheduling the appointment around my commitments.
I have used Goettl for nearly 20 years for my plumbing and HVAC needs. I recommend them as reliable, professional and easy to work with.


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.







They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.


Jeremy Canchola serviced our mini-split today with the usual Goettl efficiency and professionalism.
Highly recommended!


Hopefully, we will get Jack for our next service call.







Robert, Tyler, Adrian & Luis, Thank you all so much.
