An air conditioner that can't keep you cool isn't fun, but a noisy air conditioning system can still be frustrating. Nobody likes their peaceful drive being interrupted by a noisy automotive HVAC system. Unfortunately, several problems can cause your car's air conditioner to make more disturbing noises than the gentle rushing of air you expect.

Not every noise your system makes is a critical problem, so learning a few troubleshooting tips can be helpful before you bring your car into a friendly AC repair shop. These three steps will help you determine if you're dealing with a serious problem that requires professional attention.

Step 1: Turn the AC Off

It might seem obvious, but the first step when dealing with unusual noises is switching your air conditioner off and seeing if the noise changes. Faulty blower motors or failing fan bearings will make noise with or without the air conditioner, so you can try to narrow in on these problems by running the fan in your car with the air conditioner off.

On the other hand, some cars use separate accessory belts for the air conditioning system. If you hear squealing when you switch the AC on or off, the problem is likely a worn AC belt or pulley. You may want to stop using your air conditioner until you fix this problem since a worn belt can snap and potentially damage other components.

Step 2: Check Your Cabin Filter

Cars use a cabin filter, like home HVAC systems use a furnace filter. The cabin filter serves the same roles: protecting your HVAC equipment and filtering the air moving through your vents. These filters require routine changes and can become clogged, restricting airflow through your system. Highly restricted airflow can cause whining or hissing noises and strain your blower motor.

If your vents sound unusual, checking your cabin filter is a good strategy. This filter is usually easily accessible on most cars. If you can't easily replace the filter on your vehicle, you may want to contact a professional AC service shop to perform this service for you. Replacing the filter will protect your AC components, keep your air fresh, and prevent restricted airflow from damaging your blower.

Step 3: Listen Under the Hood

Finally, try listening under the hood with the air conditioner system running. Problems with your compressor will often sound like a sudden banging or clanking noise when the system turns on. These sounds can also indicate a refrigerant leak since low pressure can cause liquid refrigerant to return to the compressor.

Never use an air conditioning system when you hear clunks, bangs, or thuds from the compressor. These noises almost always indicate a serious problem, and the high cost of a compressor replacement means that taking chances isn't a good idea. When you hear these sounds, get your car to a professional shop for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.

Contact a car AC service today to learn more.