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

Steamback
Steamback Member Posts: 39
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: 16,316
    Is the condenser fan running

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

    mattmia2
  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,066
    what does a cicada sound like???
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,380
    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
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cprkGk_KW0o




    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    ChrisJ
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,276
    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: 9,380
    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

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,316
    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 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,332
    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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