AC adapter is making sounds?

[Double]

I've recently noticed a strange crispy noise, and it seemed to react to my mouse movements. I later found out the noise was coming from my laptop's AC adapter.

Should i be worried about this? Is the adapter gonna turn around someday and burn the house down? I've never had to replace any of these before, and am not sure if the adapter or the entire unit needs replacing. It has always sat on the carpet floor and continues to charge the battery just fine. I've had my laptop for about 3-4 years now.

Even if I were to replace the unit, I'm not sure if mine can be found online? This is the information found on my adapter for the HP Pavilion dv7-3188cl notebook: AC 100-240V~1.6A 50-60Hz, DC 19V 4.7A

 

[Mellon Head]

If you can hold it to your ear and it makes these "crispy" sounds then yes, replace it.

 

[Double]

I don't even have the adapter held to my ear and I can hear the noises.

I just bought an adapter, is it gonna be okay to use the old adapter until it arrives, or should i lay off the computer until then? I'm concerned about the battery..

 

[Mellon Head]

If it's that loud, I wouldn't use the adapter at all, and definitely don't leave it plugged into the wall. There's the potential for an electrical problem, and possibly a fire. I'm not trying to alarm you, but I think it would be prudent to wait for your new adapter before using the PC again.

 

[Double]

Thanks for your response Mellon Head, haven't used the adapter since.. still waiting for it actually, been using the smartphone for everything but I actually prefer an actual computer :]