10 Common Noises from Your HVAC System and How to Fix Them

Whether you own a home or business, you’d know that having an efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can keep everyone comfortable, improve air quality, and ensure better energy efficiency. 

However, being a responsible property owner goes beyond ensuring everyone’s comfort. You must also monitor your system’s condition, especially if you hear something strange. While these units usually produce quiet background noises, you must immediately schedule a professional HVAC repair when you hear unusual sounds. 

If you want to keep everyone comfortable for longer, this article will enumerate ten noises your system makes and how to prevent and fix them. 

1. Rattling and Banging

When you hear clanking, banging, or rattling noises from your HVAC system, it usually indicates that something’s loose or broken. It could be as simple as debris stuck in the ducts or as complex as a bearing loosening in the fan unit or compressor. Once you hear loud noises, immediately switch off the system and call a professional HVAC repair technician. 

2. Screeching and Squealing

If your unit’s fan belt wears out, you may hear a loud squealing sound when you switch on your HVAC system. You must also know that this situation could mean your system’s motor needs lubrication. You can fix it using the correct lubricant for your system’s engine. However, if you’re unsure how to do it, you can always call an HVAC technician for help. 

3. Grinding Sounds

Grinding noises from your air conditioner or furnace could indicate your unit is malfunctioning. This situation occurs when dirt and foreign objects enter the fans or blower motor, causing friction and unpleasant sounds. You must address this issue immediately; otherwise, the debris can cause more severe problems and damage your system. 

4. Buzzing 

Your HVAC unit creates a buzzing noise when it has a malfunctioning compressor, a vibrating loose part, or bees inside the air ducts. You must let a technician check the system and repair the HVAC. 

5. Crashing

Loud crashing sounds may mean something has broken off from the air duct system in your home. 

6. Rumbling 

When you hear a low rumbling noise from your HVAC system, it’s possible that something entered the ducts and needs professional inspection. It could also mean your furnace’s heat exchanger is malfunctioning and needs urgent replacement. 

7. Dripping Noises 

A dripping sound from your air conditioner or heating unit could indicate a leak in the refrigerant lines or the ducts. Call your local technician immediately to diagnose and repair your HVAC system. 

8. Booming and Explosions 

Just because you hear a loud noise from your HVAC system doesn’t always indicate a sign of a catastrophic event. Sometimes, the sound may be because of carbon particles and gas buildup. However, it’s still best to let an HVAC repair technician examine the issue. 

9. Hissing Noises

If you hear a loud hissing sound, it might indicate something’s wrong with your air conditioning system. If it’s not a refrigerant leak, this issue can occur because of a pressure lock in your air conditioner’s compressor. 

Either way, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to investigate the issue. Never attempt to fix this problem yourself because it can be dangerous and void your warranty. 

10. Whistling and Screaming 

When your HVAC system produces a loud screeching noise, switch it off immediately. This noise can mean increasing pressure in the system and may cause explosions. 

How to Avoid a Noisy HVAC System

You can keep your HVAC system running efficiently and quietly by scheduling annual inspections and regular maintenance. 

A Quieter, More Efficient System

Hearing strange noises from your HVAC system can be irritating and dangerous. You can enjoy a quieter, more comfortable unit by immediately calling professional HVAC repair services and scheduling regular maintenance. 

If you hear strange noises and need professional HVAC repair in Rock Hills, contact Panther Heating and Cooling! We’re committed to helping our residential clients enjoy a more comfortable home through our same-day and quality services. Contact us now!