🔊 AC Noise Diagnostics — Georgetown TX

Loose or broken fan blade striking the housing, or a failed compressor mounting spring allowing compressor movement inside the cabinet. Georgetown hailstorms can also throw debris into the condenser cabinet. Banging that gets worse is an escalating compressor or fan issue — turn the system off and call same-day.

A high-pitched squeal from the outdoor unit is almost always a failing fan motor bearing — the most actionable early warning sign we see in Georgetown's 5–10 year old Goodman and Lennox systems. Caught before complete failure: $180–$320 fan motor replacement. Ignored until failure: $350–$500 emergency call plus potential compressor damage from overheating. Indoor squealing points to blower wheel issues.

Single click on startup/shutdown is normal (contactor engaging/releasing). Repeated clicking — or clicking that continues while the system is running — indicates a failing contactor, a hard-starting compressor, or a defective relay. Contactors in Georgetown systems typically last 7–10 years under cycling stress; systems near that age showing clicking behavior should have contactor inspection.

Hissing from the refrigerant lines indicates a refrigerant leak — the only HVAC sound that has regulatory implications (refrigerant release). Bubbling in the refrigerant lines indicates air contamination in the circuit. Both require immediate service to prevent compressor damage and correct refrigerant handling per EPA regulations.

Rattling from registers or ductwork typically means loose register screws, debris in ductwork, or duct expansion/contraction. Georgetown's construction activity regularly introduces debris. Rattling from the air handler cabinet indicates loose panels, debris on the blower wheel, or a failing blower wheel bearing.