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Why is Neighbor's A/C making Cicada and A-10 "Brtt" sounds?

Steamback
Steamback Member Posts: 36
in A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration
Apologies, I'm a hydronic guy. I did work on A/C units like 20 years ago, but forgot everything.

My Neighbor has an outdoor A/C unit which every 2-3 minutes makes a loud hissing Cicada-like sound for 30 seconds followed by a loud "brrrrrrt" sound like from an A-10 cannon for a few seconds. Very regularly. Like clockwork.

Is this a common problem? Honestly, I can't believe his A/C is still working...it sounds like the outdoor compressor is killing itself.

What's happening?!

Comments

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 13,859
    Is the condenser fan running
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    mattmia2
  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 711
    what does a cicada sound like???
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 4,897
    edited June 2022
    pedmec said:

    what does a cicada sound like???

    Sounds like @Steamback's neighbors A/C unit

    Dah!




    almost like a cricket but different.

    Here is a video





    Edward Young Retired HVAC Contractor & HYDRONICIAN Services first oil burner at age 16 P/T trainer for EH-CC.org
    ChrisJ
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 10,278
    Cicada could sound like a high pressure relief valve opening and then the "brrrr" sound the valve closing and compressor continuing to run.
    It may die soon.
    ratioSTEVEusaPA
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 4,897
    And like the Cicada, your neighbors air conditioner may be ready to mate with a Female A/C. The opposite sex of an A/C unit. The reverse cycle A/C

    AKA Heatpump

    And just like the Cicada, after the A/C finishes making that noise and finds a mate, the unit will just die.

    Isn't nature just great!
    Edward Young Retired HVAC Contractor & HYDRONICIAN Services first oil burner at age 16 P/T trainer for EH-CC.org
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 13,859
    JUGHNE said:
    Cicada could sound like a high pressure relief valve opening and then the "brrrr" sound the valve closing and compressor continuing to run. It may die soon.
    That's why my first thought was that condenser fan.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 4,856
    The Cicada noise could be a vibration or rusty motor shaft, the unit not level. The A-10 could be the contactor chattering.

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