As your HVAC system in Belchertown, MA runs, it should make a steady and gentle hum. Beyond this, though, you really shouldn’t hear any other sounds as it cycles normally. If you do, then it usually means that there’s a problem with the system. Find out more about some of the noises that your HVAC can make that you shouldn’t ignore.
Booming
This one primarily concerns your furnace. If you start hearing a booming noise, it usually suggests that there’s an issue with the heater’s ignition process. Gas will build up over time and then suddenly ignite, causing the booming sound. As with anything that involves gas, this is one noise that you definitely don’t want to ignore.
One other possibility involves the constant contraction and expansion of your ductwork, which can sound a lot like a booming noise.
Hissing
A hissing sound can mean one of two things. It’s possible that you have an air duct leak; the escaping air will make a hissing noise. What is much more serious is if this sound comes from your air conditioner; if it does, then it signifies that your AC has a refrigerant leak.
While we don’t recommend that you try and diagnose the problem yourself, you will know if you have a leakage if you hear the hissing sound and also smell what resembles a chemical type of odor. If your air conditioner does in fact have a coolant leak, get in touch with Pioneer Valley Environmental right away. Refrigerant is a hazardous material that’s best left to those professionals trained and certified in handling it. It can make you sick if you come into contact with it, and it can also affect your AC’s performance; you might start feeling warm air from the system, for example.
Rattling
If you have a loose or a detached component within your HVAC system, it can make a rattling noise as it gets bounced around when the system runs. However, this noise can also mean that the compressor’s starting to fail. The latter problem is much more concerning, and it requires the expertise of a heating or cooling service professional to diagnose.
Buzzing
A constant buzzing can mean any number of things. If it’s from your air conditioner, it can suggest there’s a coolant leak. It can also mean the compressor’s malfunctioning. You may have unbalanced fan blades in your equipment. Or, it’s possible your system has an electrical problem. As is typical of the other sounds on this list, enlist our services so we can determine the actual cause of the annoying buzzing noise.
Clicking
You might hear a clicking as your HVAC starts up its cycle and then shuts down. You shouldn’t hear it as the system runs, however. As with buzzing, a clicking sound can mean that your HVAC has one of a number of problems. This noise coming from your furnace could indicate there’s something wrong with the ignition process. Beyond the furnace, the clicking could suggest a problem with the thermostat, or it could indicate an electrical issue. Never ignore noises associated with electrical problems as these types of issues could result in electrical fires.
Screeching
A bad fan belt is the primary cause of a loud screeching sound. See if you can have the belt repaired. If not, it will need replacing. Your system might also need some lubrication in various spots for certain components. Note that the screeching might resemble more of a squealing.
Popping
This is actually one of the more “normal” sounds your HVAC system could make. If you hear a popping coming from the ducts, it just means that they’re expanding from the air that’s moving through them. However, if you hear this popping outside of the ductwork, reach out to Pioneer Valley Environmental for assistance.
Grinding
The main cause of a grinding sound is due to damage to the compressor. This noise could also suggest that the system has worn-down motor bearings.
Bubbling
When you hear this unusual sound, it’s possible that there are bubbles within the system’s refrigerant line. Your equipment could also have a drain line leak or blockage.
Rumbling
A rumbling almost always concerns an excess of dirt buildup within the burner. A good cleaning can usually resolve this issue. However, it’s still something you don’t want to put off. Even a seemingly minor problem like dirt buildup can hamper system performance and lead to more serious problems down the road.
Ticking
This is something that you might hear from your air conditioner. Your AC might just have debris that needs removing, or the unit could have started electrical arcing. As the latter is much more serious than the former, have Pioneer Valley Environmental perform a proper assessment of your system to figure out what’s causing the ticking.
Whistling
Similar to hissing, a whistling noise could mean that your ductwork has a leak somewhere. However, a severe blockage in your air filter can also cause this whistling. Regarding the air filter, this is one thing you can actually do yourself. Put in a new filter and see if that resolves the whistling noise. If not, then get in touch with us for further investigation.
Banging
As with rattling, a banging sound can be an indicator of a loose or a broken part. But, the problem could also be with the blower assembly.
The Role of Preventative Maintenance for Your HVAC
At Pioneer Valley Environmental, we highly suggest that you have your HVAC system tuned up on an annual basis. When you schedule regular HVAC maintenance with us, this will help our technicians find and take care of any problems that may exist with your equipment. We can handle issues at their source during the checkup so they don’t come up again in the form of the warning sounds that we discussed above.
For example, when we inspect your air conditioner, we can check the refrigerant level. If it’s too low, we can refill it. If we happen to notice signs of a leak forming, we can address this during the tune-up so you don’t have to deal with a dangerous coolant leakage later on during the hot summer when you need your AC. During the maintenance appointment, we can also look for any loose or broken-off parts and refasten or reattach them as needed; you then won’t have to put up with an annoying rattling or banging when your HVAC cycles.
Schedule your air conditioner tune-up in the spring to prepare it for the summer months. The best time for your furnace checkup is in the fall so it’s ready for the cold winters.
Reach Out Today
No matter what noise or noises that you’re hearing from your HVAC, get ahold of Pioneer Valley Environmental. We’ll send over one of our trained technicians to investigate the issue and then rectify it. Our services include heating and air conditioning repairs, tune-ups, and installations.
Call us today to make your appointment if you’re in Belchertown or a nearby community.
