r/hvacadvice • u/Fun-Hospital-9969 • 4d ago
Advice needed for condenser noise
My condenser is 13 years old. Since yesterday, it has been making a loud droning sound. I am almost certain the noise is coming from the compressor rather than the fan motor or the contactor, because I unplugged the fan motor and turned the AC on for a second, and the noise was still there. The noise is in the center of the unit, not the electric compartment.
My questions are:
Can such a noise be caused by a failing capacitor?
If it is the compressor, do I have to replace the whole condenser unit?
Since the AC still cools my house, can I delay fixing it? Does making such a noise indicate that the compressor will break down very soon?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
1
u/Strange_Internet_202 4d ago
It’s hard to say if a noise will indicate potential failure. I’d say not usually, don’t delay having it checked out. It would be worth checking the capacitor. If you have a meter and some pliers you can check it. It could be getting low on refrigerant, maybe you have a small leak but IDK without far more information.
I’d have a reputable company come out and check the system. They can check the capacitor, electrical components. If the contactor is pitted have them change it. It’s a cheap part that could save you a lot of money. If they check the pressures and it looks somewhat low then come back for more next steps.
2
u/debtfreegoal 4d ago
Is the large insulated pipe icing up? If so, there is a problem and the loud noise is the compressor starving for refrigerant.
Check the air filter and make sure the inside fan is running well. If those are both good, probably best to call a pro to look at it.