Have you started hearing strange sounds coming from your HVAC system? While there might be a solution for each kind of noise that could happen, it’ll take a professional to know which solution works for which problem. Until then, here are several common sounds you might hear from your HVAC and the reasons behind them.
Screeching or Squealing
This can typically be a bad fan belt within the blower, which will need to be replaced. Squealing and screeching can also mean the motor requires lubricant. However, depending on the furnace make and model, you might not be able to apply the material yourself and will need to call an HVAC technician for help.
Clanking or Banging
If you hear something like a “thwapping” sound, it could indicate that the furnace’s motor or blower assembly might have something broken or loose. For louder clanking and banging while the blower is running, you should turn off the system right away until you get assistance. This usually means something is broken or disconnected.
Buzzing
An AC unit that’s making buzzing sounds is often a sign that there’s a malfunction in the compressor. It can mean that there’s a refrigerant leak, which can cause your unit to freeze. Buzzing can also mean there’s a loose piece that’s vibrating. In either of these cases, you’ll want to get your system checked by a qualified professional.
Popping
If the heat also happens to have been off for a while, a popping is usually what occurs, which is the sound of cold metal ducts expanding because of the surge of warm air. If you notice the sound isn’t going away or it’s coming from another source, notifying an HVAC technician might be the best call to see what’s happening.
Frequent Clicking
The majority of the time, clicking in your AC unit can be from something in the inside air handler or the outside compressor—both of which will need attention from a qualified technician. If you notice clicking from your furnace, especially during colder weather, then this is just a sign that your system is working properly. Should this sound continue or come directly from your furnace, it might mean the ignition system is malfunctioning, which could get worse without the help of a professional.
Booming or Screaming
When the furnace tries to light from an electronic ignition or pilot light but doesn’t work, a booming sound is usually what happens. This could be due to a buildup of carbon particles in the combustion chamber, which needs to be checked and cleaned professionally. If you hear a screaming or high-pitched whistling sound, turn the power to the unit off immediately. This could mean there’s very high refrigerant pressure, an internal leak, or a failed compressor, so the best course of action is to call your HVAC technician.
Knowing about the strange noises that can come from your AC unit can help you stay as safe as possible! Feel free to call your local HVAC professional about anything else you might be hearing, and they’ll be glad to get your system up and running properly again.
Meet Joe
Joe is a family man with six daughters, and he knows just how important it is to have a good HVAC system to keep his home comfortable for everyone. He even studied at Gulf Coast State College, earning his Class B HVAC license, and he’s also EPA and A2L certified. At A&H Heating and Air, he and his team strive to make customers feel safe while ensuring their AC units function perfectly. We can provide professional emergency repairs, AC maintenance, duct sealing, and installation services for new HVACs. Need to fix a strange sound from your home system? Visit our website or reach out to us at (850) 988-3116.