A hissing noise inside your HVAC system should not be ignored. Among the possible causes are leaking5 refrigerant lines, an internal valve leak or a serious failure with your compressor. If the hissing noise is originating from your ductwork, then you may have leaking air ducts. This is annoying, but not necessarily a reason to worry. A hissing sound could be a sign for any of these things, but we’ll try to narrow it down a little more.
Does the hissing sound stop after a few seconds?
If you hear a hissing noise that stops after a few moments, you may not have any issues. That might be refrigerant in your expansion valve, which is part and parcel of the normal day to day operation of your HVAC mechanicals.
Is the AC Making a Hissing Sound with Bubbling Noises?
Are you hearing a bubbling sound paired with a hissing sound? This could indicate a refrigerant leak. If a refrigerant leak is present, you may notice a slight hissing sound as the refrigerant escapes through the leak. It escapes as a gas and can be a serious health concern. If you have signs of a refrigerant leak, power down the AC and call a expert HVAC company to come take a look.
If the cause is a valve leak, it should be repaired by a professional as soon as possible. The job of the valves is to manage the pressurization of the refrigerant gas and left alone, the leak will worsen. When it does, the hissing sound will often intensify, which can be a signal if you’re looking for the cause. You need to maintain proper pressure in your HVAC system for it operate correctly, and any leak will create additional health and mechanical problems. It’s best to get this fixed post haste if possible.
Are Hissing Noises Coming from the Compressor?
The compressor is found in the outdoor air conditioning unit, which is also called a condenser. Listen nearby the condenser for the hissing noise. If you find the compressor is the cause, this could be a dangerous situation because it is a signal that the pressure within the compressor is too much. If you hear hissing, whistling, or shrieking coming from your compressor, switch off your air conditioner immediately and call an HVAC technician.
Compressors are some of the most costly parts to repair or replace inside an air conditioner. Compressors are the part responsible for pushing refrigerant through the system. You cannot turn on an air conditioner and cool your home without a compressor. The expense is variable based on factors such as the type, unit size, and brand requirements. If you have a two stage compressor now, you would need to replace it with another two stage compressor. It’s impossible to upgrade or downgrade the compressor type - your unit has specific requirements for what components are installed in order to operate safely. While it’s impossible to say how much a compressor replacement is because of the variable costs, the bill is frequently high enough to just do a replacement in older air conditioners. This is why it’s crucial to shut off the air conditioning and call a trustworthy HVAC company if you hear hissing sounds coming from the compressor.