A noisy HVAC system causes disturbance and reduces productivity levels. You can fix this issue by upgrading your system, considering sound blankets for insulation, and fixing noisy ducts by clearing any obstacles. You can also maintain the system’s optimum airflow and build barrier walls to reduce noise. The sounds produced in an HVAC system include buzzing, clicking, grinding, banging, whistling, popping, and dripping. Try the solutions below to fix these sounds, or hire the best HVAC repair service company for help.
How To Deal With Noisy HVAC System?
Any buzzing, hissing, or humming sounds from your unit could have different causes. These include broken system parts, insufficient lubricant, leaking refrigerant, etc. Here are some of the most common types of sounds in HVAC systems and how you can fix them.
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Buzzing
A loose part vibrates when you turn on the unit, causing a buzzing sound. This might be because the compressor isn’t working right, there might be bees or other insects inside the air duct system, or the unit is freezing up because of an overrun. It may also be due to refrigerant leakage or a broken condenser fan.
Leaking refrigerant also produces HVAC sound. This is dangerous because refrigerants are not environmentally friendly, and constant leakage can cause long-term effects. You can fix this sound by closely inspecting the whole system. Check for insects, damaged parts, loose parts, and the level of refrigerant. Fix or replace the broken parts and maintain optimum refrigerant levels.
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Banging/Clanging
If your HVAC makes rattling sounds, a part has become loose, stuck, or broken inside the system. For example, with banging and clanging, you may have a broken piston or connecting rod. Usually, something inside the fan is broken or has come loose, like a bearing or another part.
If you hear louder banging when the fan runs, turn it off immediately to avoid further damage. Don’t turn it on again until you get this issue fixed. As a solution, clean the filter, blower, and ductwork. Also, check your furnace and add insulation to your system.
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Whistling
When you hear whistling or squealing from your system, turn it off immediately. This prevents any parts from making the noise of breaking. The sound you may be hearing could be caused by the high pressure of the coolant, which is very dangerous. Furniture, dust, or other things might slow airflow in supply vents and pipes.
A broken fan belt and a failing compressor can also make this whistling sound. Therefore, you should check the system thoroughly and act accordingly. To fix this, look for any blockages in the vents and see if the filters need replacement. Moreover, seal the refrigerant leaks if they are present and insulate your HVAC system to reduce the whistling sound.
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Rubbing
If your HVAC fan constantly makes a rubbing noise, the motor needs oiling. It’s important to use the right kind of natural or synthetic oil—a detergent-free oil is better. Light oils like the WD-40 you use around the house aren’t strong enough to solve this problem.
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Grinding
You might hear a grinding sound from dirt and debris accumulation, a damaged blower fan or blade, a broken AC compressor valve, or broken condenser fan bearings. Dirt or small rocks can get into the mechanical parts of your AC or heater and make them rattle. These rocks can cause friction, which is highly dangerous for your HVAC. Therefore, it’s important to keep your HVAC components clean and tidy. Remove the obstacles from the system to ensure smooth running without any grinding noise and repair HVAC components.
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Clicking
If your HVAC keeps making clicking sounds, there’s a problem with the relay process in the thermostat that controls the air temperature. Clicking can also mean that there is an electrical problem with the HVAC that stops the relay from working properly. The contactor connects the thermostat to the compressor unit.
If it gets damaged, it will need a replacement, which will be obvious by its clicking sound. It could also mean the pilot light is out or the electronic ignition isn’t working right. You might need the help of a professional to fix this. When a furnace turns on for the first time, there is a normal HVAC sound.
If the sound stays after the furnace is turned on, that is a problem. If the clicking sounds come from the AC, it’s either the compressor outside or the air handler inside. You can fix this by tightening the connections to prevent a clicking sound. Or you can replace the damaged parts with new ones that perform efficiently.
What Can I Do About Loud HVAC?
If the noise coming from your heater is loud, like popping, you might not need to worry. This popping sound might be due to the heat that hasn’t been used in a while. When the cold metal ducts suddenly get warm water after being stiff during the off-season, they generate a popping sound. This may be true in cold regions, where units often pop when used again after not being used for a season. However, keep a good maintenance routine to allow maximum efficiency.
Conclusion
You might hear different sounds when working with a faulty HVAC system. These include clicking, dripping, popping, banging, etc. It is important to keep your HVAC clean and take care of its regular maintenance to get rid of this issue. Moreover, you should add insulation covering to your system to reduce the sound. Repair the broken parts causing vibrations and grinding sounds, or replace them to improve performance and productivity. If you are unable to resolve the system sound issues using these methods, it is best to seek help from the best HVAC repair service company.
