Detecting heat pump noise can turn an expensive future expense into a less expensive fix right now. This page is not meant to address every possible noise coming from a heat pump. Each model and each manufacturer is a little different...so the troublesome noises will be different.But....there are many common noises that originate from the components of a heat pump. Please keep in mind that diagnosing a noise using words is very subjective and is open to much interpretation. So this is merely a guide to help narrow down the possibilities. Share your experience here First, let's talk about the heat pump noise encountered during the defrost cycle. This is commonly mistaken to be a problem, when in reality, it is very normal.Watch and listen to the video below. The noise encountered when the fan stops is the normal sound emitted during the defrost cycle: Now let's discuss some common noises that could be the first sign of a problem. Humming is a very common noise that originates from the outdoor unit, especially when it is not able to run.

Humming often indicates a I know that description sounds strange but this is often the description given when a compressor is receiving liquid refrigerant. The louder it is, the more liquid it is receiving. This problem is one that should not be ignored. There are many potential causes for liquid refrigerant slugging and a service technician will need to go through the diagnosis process. Screw compressors are often high pitched, especially at start-up. So if the system has "always" had the high pitched squeal, chances are this is typical. However if you had never noticed it before, this could be an early indication of a motor going bad. Potential causes for a loud and frequent metallic banging is: The difference between Noise #4 and #5 could be insignificant. Depending on what you interpret as a "metallic" sound could be the difference in diagnosis. So it is very possible that the causes above could apply to this section as well (and vice versa). A hissing heat pump noise is almost always a refrigerant leak.

A refrigerant leak that can be heard is quite large and it will result in a "flat" unit in a short amount of time. So this must be remedied quickly.air handling unit valve package Just like noises #4 and #5, is the pitch of the rattling low or does it have a high pitched metallic sound?air handling unit control diagramDoes it sound like it is coming from the compressor or another part of the unit?new compressor for ac unit The diagnosis for heat pump noise that has an uncomfortably loud, high pitch sound almost always goes back to the compressor.If it is high pitched this could be a dangerous situation for both the equipment and any people involved. This could indicate that the compressor is pressurizing the refrigerant to an abnormally large differential pressure.

Very carefully record the actual pressures and shut it down as soon as possible. If there is concern regarding the operational safety of the equipment shut it down immediately. Sometimes there is nothing abnormal about a loud low-pitched noise. However if it is louder than it used to be, this could indicate some problems, such as:Of course, noises can be difficult to describe with words. If this webpage didn't give you the answer you are looking for, try to listen for your heat pump noise. Return to Heat Pump TroubleshootingHeat pumps do make strange loud noises especially in the wintertime. It's just the nature of the beast. i.e., heat pumps have reversing valves that reverse (or shifts) the flow of refrigeration between the heating and cooling modes. This occurs every time the unit goes into the "defrost cycle". When this shifting occurs, there is a loud "swooshing" sound, which usually lasts for several seconds. The "swooshing" sound is sometimes followed by a somewhat louder than normal compressor noise as it shuts down to allow the refrigerant pressures to equalize.

All these noises are perfectly normal. Another common sound is present whenever the outside condenser turns "off" or "on". For a few seconds it sounds like an out of balance washing machine. Sometimes customers note a "buzzing" sound from the outdoor unit. even when it's not running. This is usually the reversing valve's solenoid coil. It's low voltage (only 24 volts) so it's really not wasting energy. If you hear a metal to metal sound or a persistent "thumping" sound, check the fan blade of the compressor to see if the blade can be hitting something (ice, wire, twig). Shut the unit off, immediately as this not only will ruin the fan blade by throwing it "out of balance" but if allowed to persist, ruin the fan motor as well. And there is always "vibration" noise. Sometimes its only a matter of installing (or replacing) isolation pads. Sometimes the refrigerant lines are strapped too tight. Sometimes it is the unit itself and cannot be eliminated. red usually require a service call.

Outdoor unit iced up-weather related Fan blades hitting some obstruction Vibration due to out of balanced fan blade Vibration due to loose parts Vibration due to piping strapped too tight Low refrigerant charge (gurgling noise) Defective reversing valve-makes hissing sound Out of balanced or bent fan blades Buzzing contactor or solenoid coilYou are here » » » Air-Source Heat PumpsWHY IS MY HEATER MAKING THAT LOUD NOISE? Posted by MM Comfort BLOG Tips to understanding what the sounds are your furnace makes and why Furnaces are big metal contraptions with internal moving parts, so it’s not surprising to hear a few noises now and then when the heater turns on or off. Although most furnaces usually aren’t noisy, when it does make a sound we haven’t heard before, is it trying to get your attention? Forced air furnaces are highly efficient heating systems that can quickly and evenly warm-up a house, but they also double as a central air conditioner in the summer.

Due to the dual jobs they perform though, the many composite parts that make up these systems can cause noises throughout the house as heat travels up through the registers. Typically, the majority of noises a furnace makes aren’t cause for alarm, but just to make sure, here are some of the sounds you may hear from your furnace and why: If you hear a screeching noise coming from your furnace, it’s most likely a result of problems with a belt, bearing or the motor. While this isn’t hazardous, if left in poor condition, it can cause larger repairs later. A chirping sound from your furnace mostly occurs when the unit has not been in use for a while and could just be an indication that the heat is coming on. After the furnace has warmed up and run for a few minutes, the noise may stop. If the noise continues or grows worse over time, it may need a belt replacement. In this case it’s probably a good idea to contact a furnace repair technician to check the unit and make any necessary repairs.

A rattling sound coming from the furnace could mean there is a panel loose and can be fixed by simply tightening the cover panels. If you have checked the panels to make sure everything is tightened, the rattling noise may be from your furnace expanding and contracting the metal parts as they heat up and cool down. However, if the rattling noises still continue it may be something more serious and a furnace repair technician should be contacted. If a clanging or knocking noise occurs only when your furnace first starts or right after it stops blowing hot air, the sound probably is caused by expansion and contraction. The metal housing, vents, pipes and other parts make clanging and banging noises as they heat up and cool down. This is normal and shouldn’t indicate a problem. A continuous knocking sound though that occurs while the furnace is running is a signal that a furnace repair technician should be contacted. The two most likely sources of the continuous sound are a damaged or cracked belt, or bad bearings.

A loud boom or bang coming from your furnace could be one of two things. If the boom or banging noise is located at the heater, a delayed gas ignition is most likely the problem. Delayed gas ignition is when gas in the furnace builds up rather than igniting immediately. When the gas finally ignites after a while, a mini explosion happens and can harm your furnace. The second cause of a loud boom or bang could be the metal ductwork that’s expanding and contracting when the heating system’s blower starts. Try changing the air filter and make sure your home’s supply vents are open. If that does not solve the problem, you’ll need to contact a professional to find a solution. If a humming sound is coming from the furnace, begin by trying to pinpoint where the hum is originating from. One of the most common problems is that the blower motor makes a humming sound. If this is the case, then the first thing you should do is turn off your motor and allow it to cool. When it has cooled down to a safe temperature, check the motor, the humming could be the result of something as simple as improper lubrication.

Once your house is warm, the furnace blower begins to naturally run on a slower speed. But if your blower motor slows down unusually and makes a humming sound when it has slowed down, it might be due to a fault in the capacitor and the motor and may have to be replaced. This problem is typically caused by dust and dirt in your filter. An unclean and blocked filter makes the motor work harder to push out air. Make sure you check and clean the filter regularly to avoid this kind of problem from recurring. HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems require the expertise of a professional for proper installation, maintenance and repairs. If you are having problems with your furnace, it is important to remember to always contact a heating and air conditioning specialist. By taking care of and properly maintaining your home’s HVAC unit, you’ll have an efficient heating and cooling system that will provide for your family’s comfort for many years to come. Have questions about a strange or loud noise coming from your furnace?