Besides the obvious signs of zero air circulation, or the temperature failing to drop, unusual sounds are a strong early indication that something may be wrong with your air conditioner. In Melbourne, FL, this is considerable cause for concern: a serious heat wave is no time to deal with air conditioning repair. So when your AC makes a hissing sound – one that isn’t part of the normal operating noise – you probably need to call a qualified air conditioning repair service to get it fixed.
A hissing noise usually signals the release of air from somewhere in the system. This can often happen in the ductwork, where cracks, corrosion, and leaky duct connections can create escaping air. This can affect the efficiency of your unit, since it means that cool air is escaping instead of running through your home the way it should. An expert can locate the cause of the leak and seal it, or install new ducts if replacement is in order.
Leaks in the air conditioning’s refrigerant system may make a similar sound; because refrigerants are supposed to operate in a closed system, a leak could constitute a significant problem in immediate need of addressing. Older air conditioning refrigerants can be dangerous to the local environment, and even if they aren’t a loss of refrigerant, it can seriously interfere with your AC’s ability to function.
Similarly, the AC’s compressor can make an unusual hissing sound. In some cases, that may indicate loose valves or similar low-key leaks. However, it may also mean that the pressure in the compressor is abnormally high, which can create a danger if left unaddressed.
Regardless of the cause, if your AC makes a hissing sound, you should shut it off immediately. Not all the sources of a hissing sound are a cause for worry, but some may indicate a serious problem with your system. Contact a qualified technician from Next Generation Air & Heat Inc. to service your unit. We offer air conditioning repair services in Melbourne and throughout Florida’s central coast, and are available 24 hours a day to handle emergency calls.
