Does your heat pump produce a lot of noise? Nobody wants to hear a noisy heat pump in the house. Yet, while heat pumps are known for their silent operation, they don’t produce a tranquil, pleasant house. It is typical to hear sounds like the fan blades buzzing when rotating.

Additional noises from your heat pump may indicate a significant problem with your HVAC system. Therefore, check your heat pump to see if it’s generating loud noises that don’t seem natural. This article decodes the typical heat pump noises.

Humming or Buzzing Noise

Since your heat pump runs on electricity, you will hear the humming or buzzing noises. This is common since many coils and contactors hum when electricity passes through them. It denotes the proper operation of the device. However, increased volume or frequency of the buzzing might be a sign of loose parts, electrical problems, or even refrigerant leakage. It is best to get it inspected by a specialist.

Screeching Or Squealing

A screaming or squealing sound is an annoying noise your heat pump makes. Squealing noises from your outside unit often indicate a problem with the fan motor’s bearings or your compressor. Your system’s refrigerant is under pressure from the compressor, so if you hear a squealing sound, it is not operating correctly. Your fan motor may be experiencing damaged bearings if you hear continuous screaming or screeching. To prevent more damage, examine the device as soon as possible.

Clicking Or Tapping

When your heat pump turns on to heat or cool your house, it’s usual to hear one or two clicks. This is a familiar sound made by the compressor going on and off. The relay switch or contactor that regulates the electricity to the device is its source. But if clicks emanate from your outside unit that repeats fast, there could be an electrical problem with your system. The compressor, control board, capacitor, or relay switch in your system may cause it.

Ignoring electrical problems may lead to significant risks, harm your HVAC system, and cause a fire. Contact a certified heating and air conditioning provider if you hear continuous clicking from your system or if it clicks frequently but won’t switch on.

Rattling Or Clanking

A rattling or grinding noise may indicate an alignment issue or a loose component inside the device. Your heat pump’s grinding noise is usually a sign of a problem with either the compressor or one of the fan motors. Possible causes include a damaged blade, a loose fan belt, or a defective bearing in the blower or condenser fans. Another possibility might be a malfunctioning or worn-out compressor valve. If you hear a grinding sound, a component of your device is rubbing against another part improperly. An expert must evaluate the heat pump to identify the noise source and address it before it causes more harm.

Thumping And Banging Noise

Sounds such as clangs, bangs, and thumps indicate a malfunction. The refrigerant line on the heat pump is mainly the source of this noise. A part of the blower or motor may have moved out of position or broken free from its bearings. You can avoid replacing the complete system with a prompt heat pump repair. A specialist should examine the appliance to identify the noise cause and make the necessary repairs.

Hissing Or Gurgling

Heat pumps use refrigerant to transfer heat between locations. A hissing noise frequently suggests that pressurized refrigerant is seeping somewhere in the system. This has to be fixed by a trained service expert. Turn off your heat pump and contact a professional for repair if you hear these noises.

Occasionally, you can hear brief, intermittent hissing emanating from your device. This is usually fine. When the expansion valve’s pressure is released, your outside unit can hiss. The expansion valve on your heating and air conditioning system lets go of the tension that builds up from the refrigerant, which turns from liquid to vapor and cools your house.

Bottom Line

Heat pumps vary in loudness and sound, depending on the brand and model. Luckily, most air source heat pumps have hushed operation. When operating correctly, modern air-source heat pumps shouldn’t produce any noise other than a soft whirring sound. Yet, the amount of effort the heat pump puts in affects the noise level. Inadequate heat pump maintenance might cause a seasonal variation in noise levels. Heat pumps must operate longer and louder to keep you comfortable if you don’t perform routine maintenance.

If you’re concerned about your heat pump call Hoot Heating and Air today! 410-658-6564.