Split A/C noise driving me nuts
#1
07-13-16, 08:14 PM
Split A/C noise driving me nuts
I have a Carrier Alpha a/c split unit model 42kce012316. It does a heavy set of random noises no matter what mode, fan speed or temperature i set it at.
It sounds like cascade water noise, like if you were doing popcorn in the microwave and also like some explosion was happening. Also, sometimes you hear some noise like something was loose inside.
I have recorded a 2 minute audio of the problem , available at this link: https://clyp.it/g0t2xf54
I even got a tech to come and service it, though he only knows how to clean it, meaning he opens up the unit and pumps water in it. He thought the unit might be freezing, but for example this evening the noise happened just 2 minutes after turning it on.
Like i said, all noises occur at random times. Sometimes you can't hear noise for hours, sometime the noise lasts 2 minutes, and comes back 5 minutes later.
I am going nuts, i would love to hear your opinions.
It sounds like cascade water noise, like if you were doing popcorn in the microwave and also like some explosion was happening. Also, sometimes you hear some noise like something was loose inside.
I have recorded a 2 minute audio of the problem , available at this link: https://clyp.it/g0t2xf54
I even got a tech to come and service it, though he only knows how to clean it, meaning he opens up the unit and pumps water in it. He thought the unit might be freezing, but for example this evening the noise happened just 2 minutes after turning it on.
Like i said, all noises occur at random times. Sometimes you can't hear noise for hours, sometime the noise lasts 2 minutes, and comes back 5 minutes later.
I am going nuts, i would love to hear your opinions.
#2
07-13-16, 08:32 PM
Group Moderator
I don't know what to tell you. I'm not familiar with that unit.
In your audio clip I hear what sounds like relays clicking and water running. I agree that it does sound like something is loose/rattling inside.
I tried to look up the model number and found 0 references to it. Are you sure it's correct ?
In your audio clip I hear what sounds like relays clicking and water running. I agree that it does sound like something is loose/rattling inside.
I tried to look up the model number and found 0 references to it. Are you sure it's correct ?
#4
07-14-16, 06:25 PM
the noise is coming right from inside the unit, i can't seem to pinpoint a specific location
i am quite sure the model is correct since i read it on its side. If you look for carrier alpha 42kce you will find info, such as in AHI Carrier : Product Detail: Hi Wall Split Systems - R22 Fixed Speed : 42KCE / QCE + 38KCE / QCE
here's a pic: Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
i haven't tried to set fan only mode as soon as i hear the noise, i will try that. However, when i turn off the unit, the noise doesn't go away immediately, which may suggest it's the fan itself.
I appreciate any help! A new unit costs a year's salary in Venezuela.
i am quite sure the model is correct since i read it on its side. If you look for carrier alpha 42kce you will find info, such as in AHI Carrier : Product Detail: Hi Wall Split Systems - R22 Fixed Speed : 42KCE / QCE + 38KCE / QCE
here's a pic: Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
i haven't tried to set fan only mode as soon as i hear the noise, i will try that. However, when i turn off the unit, the noise doesn't go away immediately, which may suggest it's the fan itself.
I appreciate any help! A new unit costs a year's salary in Venezuela.
#6
07-18-16, 06:32 AM
If not the fan, where ? You may have to open the unit and find out where the noise come from. is it possible from the outdoor unit ? or from inside of the pipes ?
#7
07-18-16, 03:31 PM
with my very limited understanding the noise must be caused by the compressor itself. what i did is that i partially lifted the unit's plastic cover and now the "explosions" are less loud, because the unit is less hermetic. But the noise is very random as you can hear in the sound file, i took a 7 hour recording and tried to only include in the final sound file the parts with the noise.
For example, last evening i turned the unit on with the speed setting in high, in 10 minutes or so the water noises started, so i changed to fan only, waited a minute and then on cool again but this time on the low speed setting. that went fine until about 5 am when the popcorn noises started.
the noise comes deep inside and i cannot pinpoint exactly where (left, center or right) it comes from.
For example, last evening i turned the unit on with the speed setting in high, in 10 minutes or so the water noises started, so i changed to fan only, waited a minute and then on cool again but this time on the low speed setting. that went fine until about 5 am when the popcorn noises started.
the noise comes deep inside and i cannot pinpoint exactly where (left, center or right) it comes from.
#8
07-18-16, 10:01 PM
I think the water noise is Freon (inside the pipe) related. but the popcorn noise is something else. Need to find out if the noise is from indoor unit ? outdoor unit ? or the pipes in between ? You may have to call Carrier to see if they have any information about this type of problems.
#9
07-19-16, 03:15 PM
i played the sound to a tech and he says that the inner metal tubes (the ones that transport the refrigerant) may be obstructed and need cleaning/changing. However, if that's true, then the unit wouldn't cool, or perhaps they are not fully obstructed yet.
I hear the noise from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit is too far away.
I hear the noise from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit is too far away.
#10
07-19-16, 06:36 PM
some of the noises may be bits of carbon according to this article: https://translate.google.com/transla...-text=&act=url
the popcorn noise should be condensed water hitting the plastic however most of the days i don't get to see water dripping from the front of the unit.
the popcorn noise should be condensed water hitting the plastic however most of the days i don't get to see water dripping from the front of the unit.
#12
07-26-16, 03:16 PM
well yesterday the tech came and he replaced the small pipeline (a wire about a meter long) and put almost 2 kg of new gas, and so far the unit is quiet and cooling nicely. It cost me almost a month's salary (everything is expensive in my country) but at least much better than a new unit.
