A hissing noise coming from your HVAC system is not something to be ignored. Among the probable causes are leaky refrigerant lines, an internal valve leak or a serious problem with your compressor. If the hissing noise is originating from your ducts, then you could have leaking air ducts. This is annoying, but not necessarily a cause for alarm. 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 ceases after a few moments, you may not have any problems. That can be refrigerant in your expansion valve, which is a part of the normal day to day operation of your HVAC unit.
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 might hear a slight hissing sound as the refrigerant escapes through the leak. The coolant escapes as a gas and can be a major health concern. If you see signs of a refrigerant leak, turn off your HVAC and call a qualified HVAC company to come inspect the system.
If the problem is a valve leak, it should be repaired by a technician as soon as possible. The job of the valves is to help with the pressurization of the refrigerant gas and if unresolved, the leak will worsen. When it does, the hissing sound will increase, which can be a signal if you’re looking for a cause. You need to maintain proper pressure in your system for it cool your home, and refrigerant leaks cause 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 located in the exterior air conditioning unit, which is also known as a condenser. Listen nearby the condenser for the hissing noise. If it turns out that the compressor is the problem, this could be a hazardous situation because it is a signal that the pressure inside the compressor is too high. If you hear hissing, whistling, or shrieking coming from your compressor, shut off your air conditioner without delay and call a professional technician.
Compressors are some of the most costly parts to repair or replace inside an air conditioner. Compressors are the part responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. You cannot run an AC and cool your home sans compressor. The cost varies based on factors such as the type, unit size, and brand requirements. If you have a two stage compressor in your AC, you will need to replace it with another two stage compressor. It’s not possible to upgrade or downgrade the compressor type - your unit has specific requirements for what parts are installed and can’t be MacGyvered. While it’s impossible to give a quote online because of the variable costs, the bill is often 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 reliable HVAC company if you hear hissing sounds coming from the compressor.