Compressor screws screech to halt

[pretzelb]

About 30 seconds after my a/c cycles off there is a loud screeching noise heard from the compressor. I assume it's the screws in the compressor spinning down. The best way to describe the sound is that it's just like the warning noise heard when a car's brakes are going bad - like metal on metal.

The compressor is less than a year old - it's a Payne 5 ton unit (pa10ja060). It's been in the 90s here in the DFW area of Texas but we are in store for much worse soon. So far the a/c has been ok but it does seem to run for a very long time. I guess if it wasn't for the noise I wouldn't complain too much.

Is this something I should be worried about? Should I get it fixed now before the 100 degree temps hit? If they replace the compressor it's a $35 fee for the home warranty, plus they charge over $100 for a "disposal" fee that the home warranty won't cover (I had the compressor replaced on the old unit). Besides the cost I don't like getting something fixed if it's not totally broken.

[imeduc]

Are you sure you dont hear the gas or freon in the unit?Making the noise not the compressor. It could be a suction or discharge valve is going out in the compressor ? Right after the unit shuts off does the big copper line like get hot?



ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[pretzelb]

I suppose that is possible because I have not checked the temperature of the copper pipe when it shuts down. I have put my ear right over the compressor when the noise happens and it does seem to come right from the center of the unit where the screws are. Since the fan has stopped by this time it's easy to locate but I don't know where the valves are located so maybe that's it.

I will check the pipe and get back to you.