Though it is normal for air conditioners to produce sounds while turned on, certain sounds could mean that something’s wrong with the system. If you’ve asked yourself “Why is my AC making a hissing sound?”, then you should consider finding out what are the potential causes of it. It could be just a normal hissing sound, but it could be a signal that something is malfunctioning. However, fret not, if you happen to hear a hissing sound, here are several potential causes to look out for: 

Potential Reasons Why Your AC is Making A Hissing Sound 

There’s no specific reason as to why your air conditioner is making hissing sounds. It could be a myriad of reasons why, but here are the common causes of hissing sounds you can consider: 

1. The compressor’s pressure is too high 

All air conditioners will have a compressor that functions by moving the refrigerant around the system. If there’s too much built-up pressure in the compressor, it will release a hissing sound which can be hard to miss as it is pretty high-pitched. 

2. Possible refrigerant leakage 

The refrigerant of your AC is important as it helps to cool the air within the system. A hissing sound could be heard if there’s a leakage in the refrigerant. The common occurrence of the hissing sound is when you turn your AC off. One of the signs also includes leaking of your AC unit. 

3. Air ducts are malfunctioning 

Another potential cause of the hissing sound coming from your AC would be if the air ducts aren’t working properly. The air ducts are supposed to release cooling air inside your home. If the air ducts are loose or have cracks, it could cause air to be released within the AC. 

4. Valves for heat pumps are faulty 

Heat pumps help to pump heat in and out to balance out the temperature of your home. It might cause a hissing sound if the reversing valve malfunctions. The hissing sound is probably due to the valves releasing air or refrigerant the wrong way. 

5. Motor is having issues 

The main function of the motor is to make sure the fan runs smoothly which circulates the air throughout the AC. If you hear hissing sounds, it could be that there’s something wrong with the motor. It’s best to get it checked as soon as possible with a professional to prevent it from getting worse. 

How to Prevent Hissing Sounds 

If you’re curious to know how to avoid having to hear potential hissing sounds in the first place, here are several tips you can consider: 

1. Service your air conditioner regularly 

When you own an air conditioner, it’s crucial to schedule consistent maintenance to ensure it functions properly. If you don’t know how to service your AC yourself, you can always engage with professional air conditioner services to handle it for you. They would know how to inspect your air conditioner to ensure all the parts are working well. 

2. Keep an eye on the overall cooling performance

Notice what kind of air is blowing out from your air conditioner.  If it’s cooling air, then it’s working just as it should. But if your AC is blowing out warm or hot air, something is amiss such as faulty air ducts or refrigerant leakage. 

3. Solve the issues promptly 

Once you’ve thought to yourself, “Why is my AC making a hissing sound?”, the worst thing you can do is leave those issues unresolved. The sooner you settle the problem, the lower the overall costs of repairs will be. In the long run, it’ll also prevent the issues from becoming even bigger. 

When Should I Take Hissing Noises Seriously?

Air conditioners are supposed to make sounds here and there for a short period of time, within a few seconds. But if the hissing noises gets more serious such as when the sound appears for a longer period of time instead of just a few seconds, it might be time to contact a professional to check it out. Getting a professional to investigate could save you time and money, as well as prevent the situation from getting worst. 

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned about the potential causes of hissing sounds, you can get a quick answer to your question, “Why is my AC making a hissing sound?”. This article also helps you to address your concerns promptly. Even if you’re unsure whether it’s a normal sound or a sign that your AC is not working well, it’s always best to get a professional’s opinion as they have the right knowledge to diagnose the problem. Hire a professional air conditioner service company today to remove your worries and have a normal, cooling air conditioner in your home!