Heating and air conditioning systems sometimes start making weird and annoying sounds. There are several reasons this can happen.
Many heating and cooling systems use forced air for getting the job done. This forced air is delivered to rooms through metal ducts and vents which can create whistling and whooshing sounds when poorly designed or adjusted.
Heating and cooling systems also, as expected, heat and cool. This means metal parts inside the system expand and contract, leading to popping, pinging, and other noises. There are also blowers and motors with moving parts which can start to squeak when worn out or in need of lubrication.
All of these factors can cause a variety of strange and annoying sounds to emerge from an air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump. Fortunately, there are usually solutions for quieting things down.
Whistling, Whooshing, and Popping in HVAC Systems
- Air ducts can start whistling when there are air leaks in the ductwork. Because the air inside the duct is pressurized, when it leaks out of a small opening it creates a sound just like whistling with your lips does.
Checking the pressure inside the ducts and locating the leaks is the first step in fixing this problem. HVAC specialists have equipment for measuring duct pressure and air flow and easily locating leaks. Repairs are often as simple as taping a leaky connection between duct sections. Other times, sections of ductwork may be dented or damaged and need replacement to eliminate leaks and sounds.
- In other noisy HVAC situations, dampers and thermostat regulators inside the duct work or at registers in rooms may not be adjusted or working correctly. This is often easily corrected. In other situations, a bypass duct or additional vents may be needed for an evening out air pressure and eliminate the noise.
If blowers and fans are not set at the correct speed, this can also lead to air pressure problems inside the ducts, resulting in noise. Fan speed may need seasonal adjustment to avoid unwanted sounds.
- When burners are dirty or clogged in gas-fueled furnaces, they can make popping sounds after turning on when the clogged burner finally ignites. This can become a serious problem leading to damage of furnace parts or even a fire.
If your HVAC system is making unusual sounds, have it serviced as soon as possible by an expert at Elite Climate Control to keep your home quiet, comfortable, and safe.
