9 Possible Reasons Why Your HVAC System is Loud

You likely run your heating and air conditioning system for multiple hours each day, particularly during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Naturally, it can be quite annoying to have to listen to a noisy HVAC system all day, and it might even disturb your sleep. Of course, a loud HVAC system isn’t just annoying, it can also be indicative of a serious problem with your unit that needs to be addressed. At Integrity Heating & Cooling in Charlotte, NC, we can help you get to the bottom of the issue with your unit. These are a few possible reasons why your HVAC is noisier than usual.

1. Debris Stuck in Your Outdoor Unit

If your HVAC unit has suddenly started making a loud rattling-type noise, there’s a chance that there is a piece of debris stuck in your outdoor unit. For example, all it takes is for a limb to fall from a nearby tree and become wedged in your unit. Then, moving components can strike the debris, causing a loud noise and potential damage to your system. If you have noticed debris stuck in your outdoor unit, contact an HVAC contractor like Integrity Heating & Cooling. Removing debris from your unit yourself can be dangerous due to moving parts. Additionally, debris can cause bent metal or damage to moving parts, so you’ll want to have your unit inspected by a professional to ensure your unit is still in tip-top shape.

2. Issues With Belts or Bearings

HVAC systems have a variety of parts, including various belts and bearings. If you have an issue with a belt or one of your bearings, this can cause your unit to make squealing, rattling, banging, or screeching noises. An HVAC technician can inspect your unit to look for damaged belts or bearings and can then assist with a replacement.

3. Thermostat Issues

Your unit’s thermostat is an essential component since it tells your HVAC unit when to turn off and on in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Sometimes, when there is an issue preventing the thermostat from effectively communicating with your HVAC unit, this can lead to an annoying, constant clicking noise. Additionally, thermostat issues can prevent your unit from keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, and it can sometimes result in more expensive heating and cooling bills.

An HVAC technician from Integrity Heating & Cooling can come out and determine if there’s an issue with your thermostat. In some cases, it’s a simple fix. In others, replacing your thermostat is a good idea. If this is the case, the technician can talk to you about options like programmable thermostats, smart home thermostats, and more. Many modern thermostats offer a variety of features that help with comfort, convenience and energy efficiency.

4. Refrigerant Leak

If you have noticed a hissing sound coming from your HVAC unit, it’s possible you have a coolant leak. If this is the case, the issue should be addressed immediately. In fact, there are a variety of issues that can go along with a coolant leak, beyond simply having to deal with the hissing sound.

For one thing, if your HVAC unit is leaking refrigerant, your unit may not perform well. This can result in your home being uncomfortably warm. Additionally, if you continue operating your system while there’s a coolant leak, this can lead to serious damage to your unit. After all, the coolant is used to help keep your compressor working, and your compressor can be prone to fail without the proper amount of coolant. Additionally, coolant leaks can pose potential health risks and even cause environmental harm.

5. Vent-Related Issues

If multiple vents in your home are closed or blocked, this can prevent the appropriate amount of air from returning to your system. In some cases, this can cause a high-pitched, vibration-type noise. Plus, it can prevent heated or cooled air from properly flowing throughout your home; this can make it difficult for you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and it can impact your energy bills.

6. Ductwork Problems

Many home HVAC systems use ductwork to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the home. If you have problems with your ductwork, it can negatively impact the performance of your unit. It can also cause whooshing, hissing, vibrating, or rattling noises. Various things can happen to your ductwork. For example, ductwork can become damaged over time, particularly if someone has been working under your home or if animals have been moving around under the house. If your ductwork was not properly installed and secured, this can also cause problems. Additionally, if you haven’t had your ductwork cleaned in a while, this could be a concern. An HVAC technician can take a look at your ductwork to determine if it needs to be repaired, replaced, or cleaned.

7. Loose Parts or Misalignments

Your HVAC unit has a variety of moving components. Over time, these components can become loose or misaligned, particularly if they were not installed properly or if they are old. If this happens, you may notice rattling noises or vibration-related noises coming from your unit. Screws, fan components, and other parts can be carefully checked and tightened or replaced by a professional technician.

8. Electrical or Capacitor Issues

Your air conditioning unit has a variety of electrical components. It also includes a capacitor, which operates as a type of battery that helps your unit start up. If there is a capacitor or electrical issue with your unit, you may notice a frequent clicking sound or a loud humming noise. In some cases, electrical components simply need to be re-connected in order to resolve the issue. In others, your capacitor might need to be completely replaced. Either way, a technician from Integrity Heating & Cooling in Charlotte, NC can take a look at your unit and help solve the problem.

9. Clogged Air Filters

It’s important to change your air filters regularly. This helps you keep your unit clean, it helps with indoor air quality, and it helps with efficiency. If you operate your unit with a clogged air filter, your unit will struggle to operate, and this can lead to loud noises. Replacing your air filter and having your unit cleaned out should help with the noise and should help you get your unit back operating efficiently.

As you can see, there are a number of different issues that can cause your HVAC system to make loud noises when it’s running. Luckily, the experienced HVAC technicians at Integrity Heating & Cooling can help you find the cause of the issue and get your unit back in good condition. At Integrity Heating & Cooling in Charlotte, NC, we provide a variety of HVAC services. We help with HVAC maintenance, inspections, repairs and installations. We also help with indoor air quality, smart thermostat installations, ductwork repairs, ductwork cleaning, and much more.

To get to the bottom of your HVAC unit issues or for help with other HVAC services in Charlotte, contact Integrity Heating & Cooling today.