Here’s a guide to some auditory signs that your HVAC requires immediate attention, as prepared by the professional Chicago HVAC system repair and Chicago air duct cleaning team here at EmDuct Cleaning.
Screeching Noises
This is a common sign of faulty fan belts within your HVAC blower system. This will indicate that the bet needs to be replaced. A squealing or screeching sound also indicates that your HVAC motor requires lubricant – which you may or may not be able to apply yourself based on the make or model of your furnace. Keep in mind that it will require a specialty type of lubricant, and not a regular household kind. If you need assistance or advice with this, contact the experts here at EmDuct Cleaning for assistance.
Rattle Sounds
This sound indicates a failing HVAC compressor, or a pulley that has broken bearings. It also indicates a compressor clutch that is malfunctioning. Contact a professional HVAC system technician for assistance with any of the above issues which indicate that there is a loose component in your HVAC system blower or motor. Keep in mind that if the rattling sound suddenly gets louder it probably means that whatever component became particularly unattached is now fully disconnected.
Pop Sounds
If you’re hearing popping from your ductwork when heat isn’t on, it’s probably just the sound of cold metal ducts expanding as warm air enters them. However, if the popping is heard in another area of the air duct or simply won’t stop, we recommend contacting our professional team for assistance in determining what is causing the issue.
Buzz Sounds
This sound indicates HVAC system compressor issues, a leak of refrigerant inside the unit, or a loose component of the hVAC system simply vibrating when it is in use.
Click Sounds
This indicates an issue with the outside compressor or the interior air handler. You should hear this sound when heat is first turned on, however if the sound is coming from the furnace, it might mean that the ignition system is faulty.
Loud Booms
This happens when furnaces try to start with a pilot light but cannot. This might be due to a built-up amount of the gas inside the combustion chamber suddenly igniting. This is a serious issue that is normally caused by the build up of carbon within the flue or chamber.
Whistling
This is a warning sound that usually comes from the AC compressor. If you hear this, you should turn your HVAc system’s electricity source off. It might also indicate high refrigerant pressure levels or failing compressors.
Hissing
This usually happens when the HVAC system is not running, and usually means that the refrigerant line is somewhat leaky, or that there might be too much pressure on the compressor, or that there might be a leak in the interior valve. If you hear hissing from the AC compressor, it’s probably due to a local refrigerant leak, and power should be promptly disconnected.