How to Identify Odd Sounds Coming From Your Home’s HVAC Unit

Is your HVAC unit making strange sounds? There is a good chance that it is screaming or squealing for help. Indeed, when an HVAC unit is on the fritz, it will usually start making a sound that lets you know that it needs a tuneup or a repair. When it comes down to it, though, some noises aren’t indicative of anything too serious, but knowing when your HVAC system really needs your attention is important, because the problem could end up getting worse – way worse. So, if you don’t want to pay a fortune for repairs, it may be smart to diagnose your HVAC problems based on the sound your unit is making. Here is how to identify odd sounds coming from your home’s HVAC unit.

First and foremost, it is important know what noises are innocuous and shouldn’t have you worrying. When you purchase an HVAC unit and you turn it on for the first time, there may be a loud squeal or roar. This sound may last for a few minutes, but as your unit starts getting warmed up, the sound should go away. Also, if you have just come back from a vacation, your unit may make a rattling sound, but it should be nothing to be concerned about.

However, if your HVAC unit is making a dull vibrating sound or a hum, there is a good chance that your unit has a dirty filter. It is important to know why having a dirty HVAC system can lead to problems, because the solution is often simple and if you don’t fix the problem sooner rather than later, it could wind up costing you more money down the line. If you hear this dull hum or vibrating sound – all you have to do is replace the filter, which is affordable and easy to do.

Next, you may also hear a gurgling sound. You know that sound a drink makes when you get to to the bottom of the cup and you are trying to slurp up whatever is left with your straw? That is a little bit like what happens when your HVAC system is low on refrigerant. Basically, your HVAC unit is trying to slurp up whatever refrigerant is left. If this is the case, you may need to hire an HVAC specialist to refill your refrigerant. You can do this yourself, but a specialist will usually have the tools and materials needed to measure and refill your HVAC unit effectively.

Lastly, you may also notice a loud banging sound. This is by far one of the worst sounds, because it is a sign that something is definitely broken and has come apart, or is dangerously loose. What you should not do is open your HVAC unit when it is on. You should hire a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the problem first. If you can’t help your curiosity, make sure that your unit is completely turned off before you look inside your unit. In some cases, it may simply be a loose coil or filter, which you can push back into place. At the end of the day, though, you probably just want to bite the bullet and have your whole unit tuned up, because there may be something you are missing altogether.