Have a Spooky Sounding HVAC System?
Scary noises in the house often seem to come alive during the quiet hours of the night. This can be especially true during October when sounds all seem to be a little spookier than usual. If your home is feeling haunted lately, it’s a good idea to check your heating and cooling system.
There are a number of common issues that can lead to a spooky-sounding and noisy HVAC system. Here are a few tips from local professionals about locating the source of a noisy air and heating unit, and resolving the issue.
Locating Refrigerant Leaks
One of the signs of an HVAC leaking refrigerant is that it will often make a hissing sound. For larger leaks, it might even sound like a gurgling sound. This sound is created when refrigerant leaks from a crack or hole in the coils that circulate refrigerant.
In addition to a hissing or gurgling sound, a loss of cooling power, the unit not blowing cool air, frozen coils and an increased utility bill are all potential signs of a refrigerant leak. It’s important to note that if your refrigerant level is low, it means there’s a leak somewhere in your unit, as the refrigerant level should not decrease over time.
As a result, if your unit needs refrigerant, you never want to simply fill it up without resolving the underlying issue that is causing the leak. Leaking refrigerant is not only bad for your unit and your utility bill, but it can also present health hazards. So, it’s important to address this issue as soon as it’s discovered.
What’s Making Rattling Sounds
Rattling sounds in or around your home can be incredibly unsettling. Even if you identify them as being an HVAC issue, they can be concerning. However, generally rattling sounds are not indicative of a major issue. Most often, they simply mean that something fell on the vents of your outdoor unit. Leaves, sticks, or other outdoor debris that gets into the vents can create a rattling sound.
Additionally, a loose bolt, screw, or fastener can create a rattling noise. Both of these issues are quick fixes, easily resolved in the course of regular maintenance. For older units, a rattling sound could be the first indication of issues with the compressor. If you hear a rattling sound in your outdoor unit, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a pro.
Responding to Electrical Issues
A buzzing noise from your HVAC unit usually means that there is an electrical issue. The buzzing sound is created by electrical arcing within the unit. There are a number of electrical connections and components that could be the source of this issue.
If you hear a buzzing sound, it’s important to immediately turn off your unit and call a professional. Electrical issues can present a number of fire safety risks, so it’s important to always play it safe.
Hopefully, these tips will help you identify and resolve any noisy HVAC issues this Halloween before your imagination gets the better of you. And, if you have any additional questions or concerns, it’s always a good idea to call a trusted HVAC tech.
Trust Champion Comfort Experts
Champion Comfort Experts is a family-owned and operated business providing quality HVAC services to the Hendersonville community. With 24/7 services, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and flat-rate pricing, their customers always have the peace of mind that their HVAC issues will be resolved efficiently, correctly, and affordably. Further, the team consists of only the most qualified and trusted technicians that have been trained in the latest technology.
