My Heat Pump is Loud – Is Something Wrong?

Heat pump going bump in the night? The experienced professionals at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning have the information you need to help you distinguish normal sounds from dangerous system issues.

If You Hear these Normal Heat Pump Noises, All is Well with Your System

These noises are typically mild and of the lower decibel variety, including:

• Whooshes
  Heat pumps often make whooshing sounds during defrost mode. This can last a several seconds, and is usually followed by a slightly louder compressor sound. These sounds may be louder in the winter, when your heat pump works hardest.
• Rattles & Vibrations
  These sounds, which can be similar to an off-balance washing machine or back-peddling flutter, are normal at startup and shutdown.
• Clicks & Taps
  Clicking and tapping noises are normal at startup and shutdown.
• Humming, Buzzing Sounds
  A slight buzzing from your system, even when its not in operation, is normal in most cases. This is typically from the reversing of the valve solenoid coil, a low-voltage valve that is louder in certain systems.
• Squeals
  A high-pitched squeal at startup is typically normal.

Uh-Oh! These Systems Noises Indicate Trouble

These loud, worrisome heat pump noises indicate the need for rapid system attention:

• Metal on Metal
  In cold weather, this may be from your fan blades hitting chunks of ice. It can also result from blades hitting loose wires or other components. When this occurs, turn off your system immediately to avoid damage to fan blades and other components, as well as to avoid overworking the motor.
• Rattling & Vibrations
  If you there aren’t a couple of loose screws in the cover panel, ratting and vibrations that worsen over time indicate loose hardware/parts in need of adjustment. They also occur if refrigerant piping is strapped too tightly, or emanate from unsecured ductwork. Some air conditioners are also noisier than others, with this scenario worsening over time until replacement.
• Clanks
  Frayed or loose fan belts often clank.
• Popcorn Popping or Tumbling Rock Sounds
  This strange sound typically occurs when the compressor receives liquid refrigerant. There are a number of causes. All should be addressed immediately.
• Gurgles
  Gurgles point to low refrigerant levels, which can severely effect performance.
• Grinding Noises
  A precursor to shrieking, grinding noises indicate dirty components or the need for lubrication.
• Shrieks 
  Unbearably loud shrieking noises usually indicate a faulty compressor under high pressure. Shut down your system immediately. This is a dangerous situation, indicating the need for 24-hour air conditioning service. Dirty motor bearings can also be unbearably loud, indicating a motor in need of replacement.
• Hissing
  Hissing typically indicates a massive refrigerant leak and a system that will likely be out of commission in the immediate future.
• Humming, Buzzing Sounds When System is Inoperable
  A humming, buzzing noise when your system will not run could point to a stuck relay or contact, faulty capacitor, or motor issues.
• Squeals
  A high-pitched squeal that begins without notice could indicate the heat pump motor is going bad.

Heat pump sound like a broken record? Avoid unexpected and potentially expensive repairs. Investigate worrisome issues with the expert 24/7 HVAC repair services of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/my-heat-pump-is-loud-is-something-wrong/