5 Weird HVAC System Noises You Shouldn't Ignore

Your heating and cooling system utilizes several components to improve the quality of air in your house. This system also runs quickly to push huge amounts of air throughout your house. Therefore, you should expect your HVAC unit to produce a faint humming sound.

However, your HVAC system may start producing weird noises. These noises can be annoying, and you should never ignore them since they may signify a huge problem. This article explains five weird air conditioning system noises you should not ignore. 

1. Rattling 

At some point, your HVAC system may make a rattling sound. If the noise comes from the outdoor unit, it could mean that there are small rocks or twigs stuck within your system. 

However, if the noise comes from within the system, the problem might be a loose screw on the system's casing or a failing compressor fan. A rattling sound may also occur when your air supply fan becomes wobbly. 

Once you notice this sound, you need to call your technician. This professional will thoroughly inspect your HVAC system to find the source of the problem and make the necessary repairs.

2. Hissing

When a hissing sound comes from your HVAC system, there could be a leak inside the system. However, you need to listen carefully to determine the source of the noise.

If the noise is coming from your furnace, the high chances are that your ducts are punctured and air leaking. Leaking air ducts reduce the efficiency of your HVAC unit since the heated or cooled air escapes. These ducts can also increase your energy costs since your HVAC unit has to work extra hard to heat or cool your home.

On the other hand, if the sound is coming from your compressor, there may be a refrigerant leak inside your system. In this situation, you need to switch off your HVAC unit quickly and call a technician since refrigerant leaks can cause refrigerant poisoning that may harm your health.

3. Clanking 

Another HVAC weird noise that you should not ignore is the clanking sound. Most of the time, a clanking sound indicates a significant issue. Often, this noise indicates some parts like the pipes have become loose. 

A clanking sound can also occur when the blades of the indoor blower or outdoor fans fall out of balance and collide with other internal HVAC elements. Additionally, if you have an older HVAC model, this sound indicates that your motor needs lubrication.

While these issues may seem insignificant, you need to call a technician quickly since they may lead to costly damages if they are not fixed quickly.

4. Squealing 

When you switch on your HVAC unit, you may hear a squealing sound. However, if your system is new, squealing is not a sound you should ignore.

Squealing can occur due to various reasons. First, when the outdoor fan or indoor blower motors start going bad, they will produce a squealing sound. However, this isn't the case always. Sometimes a squealing sound may indicate that these motors require lubrication.

Also, when your HVAC unit house becomes old, it may start producing a squealing sound. At this point, you'll have to replace your entire HVAC system.

5. Clicking 

When you turn your HVAC thermostat on or off, you are likely to hear a clicking sound. However, if you hear a continuous clicking sound coming from your HVAC unit, there might be a serious electrical problem.

A clicking sound can also occur if your capacitor or contactor goes bad. Faulty electrical switches or thermostats can also cause this noise.

Since your HVAC system has several electrical components, you need to call a technician to determine the exact element that has issues and carry out the necessary repairs.

Dealing with HVAC noises can be frustrating. If you want to deal with this issue completely, contact Triangle Heating and Cooling.