If you can hear HVAC noise, your system’s probably too noisy. Beyond the very subtle, subliminal sound of conditioned air circulating throughout the house, you shouldn’t be aware of noise, racket or other distracting sounds emanating from the system air vents. While not all sounds are indications of critical malfunctions, some are definitely issues that need to be checked by a qualified professional.
Here are five common categories of HVAC noise and what each may mean:
Banging or popping
Typically noticed when a system first starts up or right after it shuts down, these sounds are generally a harmless sign of expansion and contraction of metal ductwork caused by temperature changes. They should quickly stop after a few minutes as temperature stabilizes. If sounds persist, call your HVAC contractor.
Loud air conditioner screaming
Not common, but if it happens, shut down the A/C and summon qualified professional service at once. This noise may indicate a pressurized refrigerant leak or excessively high pressure associated with the compressor.
Squeaking or squealing
Often originating at the blower motor in the air handler, these sounds may be transmitted by metal ductwork throughout the house. A drive belt may be slipping, a pulley loosening or the blower fan motor may require lubrication. Contact professional HVAC service to troubleshoot these components.
Roaring, rumbling sound from the furnace
This may occur when the furnace burner first ignites and/or continue while the burner is operating. In either case, a furnace burner should not generate noticeable noise. Because this could be a safety issue, report furnace burner noise to a qualified HVAC service provider immediately.
Whistling or hissing sounds
Leaks in ductwork are common as a house ages. Air escaping from pinhole leaks in supply ducts, or being sucked into return ductwork, may cause hissing sounds or whistling. A duct pressure test can establish the rate of leakage and your HVAC contractor can offer sealing options to silence leaky ducts—which will also improve system performance and efficiency.
Serving the Wabash Valley since 1922, Paitson Bros. offers qualified professional service to resolve HVAC noise issues.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922