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Hearing HVAC Noises? Call Heating and Cooling Services Pros
HVAC systems have a huge role to play in making your home comfortable to live in. With the temperature worldwide rising, it’s no wonder that the demand for HVAC systems is virtually never-ending. The global HVAC systems market, valued at $127.4 billion in 2020, is likely to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2021 to 2028.
The influx of technologically advanced energy-efficient HAVC products is providing everyone with better comfort than ever. However, they can be effective only when regularly serviced and maintained. A great way of keeping your HVAC system in good shape is to watch out for the tell-tale signs of trouble. Although you may be far from being an HVAC expert, you can certainly keep your ears open for strange noises coming from your heating and cooling system.
This post will help you understand what kinds of sounds you should be looking out for to detect problems in your HVAC unit and call a service provider pronto.
- Banging Clanking Or Thumping
Usually, a loud banging, clanking, or thumping noise indicates that something has come loose or broken inside your heating and cooling unit. It could be the blower assembly, piston pin, or crankshaft. You will need to call a professional to inspect your HVAC system and repair the problem.
2. Booming
Booming sounds may indicate that your furnace tries to light or relight from the electronic ignition or the pilot without success. This results in gas build-up inside the combustion chamber of your furnace. Usually, carbon particle build-up is responsible for the booming sound.
When the furnace does successfully fire up, the built-up ignites all at once. Needless to say, this is a dangerous situation. You need to call a professional HVAC expert immediately. They can inspect and clean the combustion chamber and the flue to get your HVAC system back to normal.
3. Buzzing
The buzzing sound could mean a lot of things. It could be a compressor malfunction or lose parts. If your house is not cooling, it could also mean a refrigerant leak. Furthermore, out of balance or loosened fan blades may result in a constant buzzing sound.
Other reasons include accumulation of debris in the indoor or outdoor unit, clogged air filter, dirty condenser coils, and out-of-balance or failing blower. In other words, you need a technician to take a closer look at your heating and cooling unit.
4. Frequent Clicking
The clicking noise can come either from the AC or the furnace. If the clicking sound comes from your furnace when you turn the heat on for the first time during the cold weather, it is a good sign. It means your furnace is working properly. There is no need to call in a technician.
However, it is not such a good sign if the clicking continues. If frequent clicking comes from the furnace, it may be due to a malfunctioned pilot light. Or it could be a failing electronic ignition if you use an electric furnace. If this happens, you should call an experienced furnace service provider right away.
5. High-Pitched Whistling Or Screaming
A high-pitched whistling or screaming noise may be the indication of high internal pressure inside the compressor. It might also mean a refrigerant leak. Just like the booming sound, this is also a dangerous situation that warrants your immediate attention.
Thanks to the built-in sensors, most HVAC systems will turn off automatically should this happen. But if it doesn’t, you need to turn off the power to your HVAC unit immediately. Next, call a technician and don’t turn it on until professional help arrives.
6. Hissing
Generally, the hissing sound could mean two things. If it is coming from your AC, it could mean an internal leak that is releasing refrigerant under high pressure. This is a situation similar to the one mentioned in the previous point. So, you will need to cut the power and call an HVAC services specialist.
However, if the hissing sound is coming from the furnace, it could be the sign of a leaking air duct or even a furnace leak itself. In either case, it is better to call a heating and air conditioning repair company to get your system checked thoroughly and make the necessary repairs.
7. Popping
It is pretty common to hear a popping sound when you turn on your heating system for the first time during the winter. It simply means that the cold ducts are expanding as the heat enters the system. But if the noise is coming from other parts of the HVAC unit, you need to call a heating and cooling services expert. They can check the system to identify and fix the problem.
8. Pulsating
Like the popping sound, a pulsating sound doesn’t have to be a bad sign. Most air conditioners make a low pulsating sound when they operate. Unfortunately, the pulsating sound coming from your outdoor AC unit isn’t a great sign, especially if it is too loud. It may be because something in your AC unit, such as the fan motor or blades has come loose. Call a heating and cooling services provider to check it out.
9. Rattling
A rattling sound is also very common. It usually means there is debris in your vents due to lack of maintenance. Cleaning the vents and ducts can help fix this issue. However, it could also mean that your HVAC’s compressor is failing or something has come loose. A worn-out clutch can sometimes cause a rattling sound too. You will need to call a technician to fix this problem.
10. Rumbling
A burner malfunction, particularly an unclean burner, may lead to a rumbling sound. The dirt buildup often restricts the airflow, which results in a rumbling sound. You can clean up the burners yourself. However, a heating and cooling services provider can do a better job. They may also fix any other HVAC problems that you might have experienced.
11. Squealing Or Screeching
Usually, the squealing or screeching sound means you need to replace the fan belt in the blower. But it could also mean that the motor lubricant needs a refill. Whatever the reason may be, you will have to call a heating and cooling pro as soon as possible.
12. Whirring
Different types of mechanical failures can cause a whirring sound. Sometimes, it may be the failing blower fan motor bearings or even a malfunctioned indoor blower fan motor. You should call a heating and air conditioning repair expert to find out the exact cause and fix it.
Conclusion
You may have gotten used to the humming sound your HVAC unit makes, but not all sounds coming from your HVAC system are normal. If you hear any of these twelve unusual sounds coming from your HVAC system, you need to call an expert technician right away. It is the best way to ensure the comfort and safety of your family.
Perform Heating and Cooling can help you with all your HVAC needs. Please call us at (801) 243-0191 or complete our online contact form to schedule a service call now. Our experts will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Want to take the hassle out of maintaining your system? let us do it for you with our Club Maintenance Program.