AC question...

[SturmoV]

Hi guys!

I have a problem with my new in-wall Friedrich AC (WS10B10A) which I just installed a few weeks ago and figured this was the best place to ask.

The problem is that its compressor (of the rotary type) besides having a normal (to my ears) compressor drone also makes a moaning, almost ghostly sound. Doesn't sound healthy at all. Is this normal? It does cool pretty well though... just don't wanna end up with an out of warranty ac with a dead compressor. :confused:

[n00b 0f l337]

Sure its the compressor and not the fan? Or the recirculator?

[SturmoV]

Well, I hear it only when the compressor kicks in. In "fan only" mode there is no abnormal noise. As for the recirculator, unless it's inside the compressor itself, I don't recall seeing such device among my AC's internals.

[Exahertz]

does it do it when its cold (just starting)? does it get worse or change tone after it warms up? how old is it? and did it just start doing this recently?

[SturmoV]

does it do it when its cold (just starting)? does it get worse or change tone after it warms up? how old is it? and did it just start doing this recently?


It does it as long as the compressor is on. The sound is mostly intermittent, comes in at irregular intervals, could disappear for a minute then come back or become continuous. The tone is constantly changing as if it is singing ( or something is rubbing on something). Pretty spooky, ghostly sound, actually. I just started using the AC (as the weather got warmer) but installed it about a month ago.

I have three other Friedrich AC's in the house, two 10k's identical to my new unit, albeit a couple of years old and a new 14k in the living room.
None of them make this strange moaning sound.

[wdrzal]

did you add any gas to it?????

did you read directions some compressors come with a lock down shipping bolt, is anything rubbing???

[SturmoV]

did you add any gas to it?????

did you read directions some compressors come with a lock down shipping bolt, is anything rubbing???


Add gas?!? :shocked:

:clap: :yepp:

If I could add gas to an AC, I would not be asking you guys.

I'm just a regular Joe Schmoe, who bought his AC pre-built, at an appliance store, brought it home and installed it in a wall sleeve. That's as far as my HVAC experience goes.

It does sound like something is rubbing on something inside the compressor. It can't be the fan, because it's doesn't emit any abnormal noise when in "fan only" mode.

So what can possibly cause the rubbing? Is the system low on gas? Or oil? Contaminated? :confused:
Can it cause any damage to the compressor?

Do note that I have no complaints about its performance, just concerned with the MTBF on a (possibly) compromised compressor.

[wdrzal]

some come wit a compressor lock down bolt that has to be removed,not familiar with that model,so re read directions the bolt kees compressor from comming off rubber feet. somtimes it something rubbing. reread complete instructions especially for noises.is it on flat leval base. finally buy a cheap automotive steathoscope that have a 8" metal rod & diaphram ,usually sold in automotive shops for 5 to 10 dollars you touch the rod to different parts while unit is running.listen for noise to you track it down did you open valves completly after connecting??? hard to diangnose with such little info.


is noise on outside unit or iside unit????? is this the first one installed??? did you install a drain from inside unit.

as cooling goes the measure the temp where it draws air in, on high cool the outlet should be 20 to 25 degrees + if room air is 80f it should blow out at least 60 f....................if 70f it shoud do 50f

[runmc]

Take it back to the store where you bought it and get another one. :up:

[_HL4E_HalfLife_]

U really should post something like this here:

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/index.php

[SturmoV]

some come wit a compressor lock down bolt that has to be removed, not familiar with that model, so re read directions the bolt keeps compressor from coming off rubber feet. sometimes it something rubbing. reread complete instructions especially for noises.is it on flat level base. finally buy a cheap automotive stethoscope that have a 8" metal rod & diaphragm ,usually sold in automotive shops for 5 to 10 dollars you touch the rod to different parts while unit is running. listen for noise to you track it down
did you open valves completely after connecting??? hard to diagnose with such little info.


is noise on outside unit or iside unit????? is this the first one installed??? did you install a drain from inside unit.

as cooling goes the measure the temp where it draws air in, on high cool the outlet should be 20 to 25 degrees + if room air is 80f it should blow out at least 60 f....................if 70f it shoud do 50f


The unit comes already assembled, non-user serviceable. No valves to opens, no locking bolts to remove. Basically , just unpack, attach a wire to the sleeve to ground it, slide the unit in, insulate, and - voila- done!

Here's the manual to familiarize yourself:

http://www.friedrich.com/new_pdf/92000712_10-06_TTW_IO.pdf WS10B10A

The WallMaster line brochure: http://www.friedrich.com/new_pdf/TW-07_11-06.pdf


The noise is inside the unit coming from the compressor's side.

It's on flat but not level base - this is by design, seeing as the unit needs to drain, the sleeve is tilted slightly forward, and, yes, I did install a drain nipple.
No this is not the first one installed, I installed the other three in my home as well and none of them are having any issues.

I'll try your suggestions wheen I have the proper equipment.

Thanks for your help! :up:

[wdrzal]

A wndow unit !!!!!!!some of those makes more noises than a 60 year old truck speeding down a bumpy road. something rubbing.


like ron said take it back, I thought it was a mini split.