Blog

Your heat pump may be making noises because of a variety of issues. These may include a loose part or the system shutting on and off rapidly (short cycling). If it’s a noise you’re not used to hearing, it's most likely something that needs repair.

Heat pumps consist of an indoor and an outdoor system, both of which can be somewhat loud. It's normal to hear some humming sounds as electricity is transferred through the heat pump, but if these sounds become exaggerated or inconsistent, you may want to consider calling for a heat pump technician to take a look.

The sounds from your heat pump can vary from buzzing to grinding or clicking noises, and if you notice them frequently, you should schedule a repair visit. In lots of cases, noises indicate something is malfunctioning or possibly displaced, and a heat pump technician will be able to fix this with ease.

Not All Heat Pump Noises Are an Issue

There are a variety of functions happening within your heat pump that cause noise. Things like valve switches to shifts in the temperature of the air being pushed in and out of the heat pump can result in noises that are normal.

Low humming noises or buzzing are very common with heat pumps and are generally nothing to be worried about. You may also hear fan noises when your indoor unit is running.

Additionally, when your heat pump turns on and off, the compressor may make a slightly louder buzzing sound, and this is also normal. These are generally nothing to be worried about and indicate that your heat pump is doing its job of maintaining the temperature in your house.

When Should I Call a Technician?

• If you hear rattling: Rattling can indicate there are loose parts within the heat pump or possibly an issue with coolant piping. These are important to take care of early because they can compromise the efficiency of your unit and potentially result in its total malfunction.

• If you hear popping noises: Issues with the electric components in the heat pump can cause popping noises, as well as potential motor failure. You'll need an expert technician to diagnose the exact source of the sounds, especially if you notice them consistently when your heat pump is running.

• If your heat pump is over ten years old: Many heat pumps will begin to require additional repairs as they near the end of their lifespan. If the amount of noise your heat pump is making increases and you have an older unit, it's time to call the technician.

• If your heat pump hasn't been serviced in over a year: Annual servicing is recommended for heat pumps. If your heat pump has gone without a checkup for over a year, it may be best to schedule an appointment to ensure that any noises you hear are not indications of significant issues.

Which Noises Are Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair?

Certain noises should be given more attention than others, but it's best to err on the safe side when it comes to a potential malfunction. You may hear noises from the indoor or outdoor unit, and if these noises turn out to be a problem, you could risk going without hot or cold air for your home.

Heat pumps rely on their ability to transfer either the warmth from outside into the home or to pump out that warmth to cool your space. If there are loose parts, issues with refrigerant or failing valves causing loud noises, these can affect the efficiency of your unit, potentially resulting in increased energy consumption.

Over time these problems may end up shortening the lifespan of your unit, so be sure to take unusual sounds seriously and connect with a heat pump technician as soon as possible.

Common heat pump noises that should be looked into include:

• Grinding sounds: Grinding sounds may indicate there's an issue with the blower connected to your indoor unit. The blower is crucial for transferring cooled air from the heat pump into the home. 

• Hissing: Hissing noises usually indicate leaking refrigerant, which is the liquid that allows your unit to absorb environmental heat and expel cool air through the system.

• Banging: Loud banging noises can indicate that something is loose within the unit. Loose parts may not only cause malfunction, but they can displace other parts resulting in more damage.

Heat Pump Repair and Replacement in the DMV

Odd sounds coming from your heat pump shouldn't be ignored. Let our heat pump technicians at Home Air Services help. We provide heat pump services and will diagnose any issues to map out a plan for repair or replacement if necessary. To schedule an appointment, call us at (301) 812-3906 today.