Knowledge Builders

why does my heat pump make a hissing noise

by Sierra Barrows Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Hissing Noises
Heat pumps use refrigerant to move heat from one location to another. This is accomplished by using pressure to change it from a liquid to a gas and back again. A hissing sound often indicates that somewhere in the system, the pressurized refrigerant is leaking.
Dec 18, 2017

Full Answer

Why is my heat pump making a buzzing noise?

Electrical heat pump issues can make a popping or buzzing sound. A failing motor can buzz or vibrate. Also, a failing valve or solenoid may make a hissing, whooshing, or vibrating noise. If you hear any of these noises, call in the professionals immediately to prevent further damage.

Why is my air conditioner making a hissing noise?

An A/C or heat pump compressor (of the reciprocating or piston and cylinder design) that continues to run with damaged internal refrigerant valves may make a hissing noise too. In this case the motor will continue to run, it may not even overheat, but it's wasting electricity and running more than it should.

Why does my heat pump squeal when it starts?

Some heat pumps have a squeal when they start operation – it may be a quiet whistle or high-pitched. The sound should also last for only a minute or two (or less). If it’s not a common sound for your unit, then it indicates a problem developing. If you know the sounds your heat pump commonly makes, any abnormal noise should raise a flag.

How do I know if my heat pump is loud?

If you feel your heat pump is louder than it should be, check the owner’s manual for its sound rating. Purchase or borrow a sound meter, or upload a free sound meter app on your phone and check to see how much louder it is than rated. There are many reasons a unit or compressor may be louder.

image

Why is my heat hissing?

The air filter is clogged: If the air filter for your heater is clogged, it may lead to the sound of hissing. What you are hearing is the sound of air forcing its way through a multitude of dust and debris. This is the easiest issue to deal with.

How do I stop my heat pump from making noise?

How to Reduce Noise from a Heat PumpReplace Fan and Motor. If the fan that blows air into your home is damaged or worn out, it can cause you to have a loud unit. ... Install Compressor Sound Blanket Wraps. ... Use Vibration Isolation Dampener Mounts. ... Replace the Unit.

Why does my heat pump make a whooshing sound?

The whooshing sound is that valve reversing to defrost the heat exchanger, which essentially means entering cooling mode temporarily. The refrigerant will run backwards in this mode, so the heat pump will essentially be pulling the hot air out of your home.

Why do I hear a hissing sound in my house?

A hissing sound is never good—it usually means there's a gas leak somewhere. Turn off the gas immediately, leave the house, and call a professional for help, especially if you notice the hissing coming from near your home's gas meter or outdoor gas post.

Is it normal for a heat pump to make noise?

It is absolutely normal for your heat pump to make noises from time to time. Especially, during shutdown, when quite a few things happen in the system. For example, the pressures in the refrigerant equalize right after the unit is turned off. This makes the heat pump produce some sounds for a bit.

What does a bad heat pump compressor sound like?

Common compressor and outdoor unit noises include loose parts rattling, vibrating, or buzzing. Electrical heat pump issues can make a popping or buzzing sound. A failing motor can buzz or vibrate. Also, a failing valve or solenoid may make a hissing, whooshing, or vibrating noise.

Does a heat pump make more noise in cold weather?

During the cold season, the heat pump shifts to defrost mode, and the valve reverses and produces a whooshing noise that lasts for several seconds. After the whooshing sound comes a slightly louder sound from the compressor. The sound is normal and may seem louder during winter since the heat pump works the hardest.

How much noise does an air source heat pump make?

40-60 decibelsHow much noise do air source heat pumps make? Generally, an air source heat pump produces noise levels of 40-60 decibels from a distance of one meter away.

What is an acceptable noise level for a heat pump?

between 50 and 90 decibelsMost heat pumps produce sound between 50 and 90 decibels. The higher the decibel rating of the heat pump, the more noise it will make during normal operation. The quietest heat pumps on the market run as low as 50 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a conversation at home or light traffic.

Should my heater be hissing?

The temperature of the tank might be too high, causing pressure to build up inside. The excess pressure pushes open the temperature and pressure relief valve, producing a hissing sound. A buildup of sediment can also increase pressure in the tank, producing a hissing noise.

What is a hissing sound?

hiss. / (hɪs) / noun. a voiceless fricative sound like that of a prolonged s. such a sound uttered as an exclamation of derision, contempt, etc, esp by an audience or crowd.

Why I hear high pitched noise?

Most people who have tinnitus have subjective tinnitus, or tinnitus that only you can hear. The noises of tinnitus may vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal, and you may hear it in one or both ears. In some cases, the sound can be so loud it interferes with your ability to concentrate or hear external sound.

How much noise should a heat pump make?

Both the indoor and outdoor components of a heat pump make some noise. On average, most modern heat pump outdoor units have a sound rating around 60 decibels, equivalent to a moderate rainfall or normal conversation.

Why is my heat pump humming when off?

Similarly, if the heat pump's outdoor unit is turned off, but you still hear a low buzzing noise, that's because of the solenoid coil on the valve. The buzzing comes from the low voltage electricity of the coil, and is constant.

Are heat pumps louder in the winter?

During the cold season, the heat pump shifts to defrost mode, and the valve reverses and produces a whooshing noise that lasts for several seconds. After the whooshing sound comes a slightly louder sound from the compressor. The sound is normal and may seem louder during winter since the heat pump works the hardest.

Why does my heat pump make a noise?

Heat pumps, like a refrigerator or hot water tank, make noise during regular operation. Some noises are common and tell what cycle the pump is going through – start-up, shut-down, defrost, opening or closing valves, or the fan, to name a few. Each has a unique sound or two. During summer, the unit may make some different sounds than in winter, and be quieter too, due to the reversed cooling-heating process.

Why Are Heat Pumps So Loud?

If you feel your heat pump is louder than it should be, check the owner’s manual for its sound rating. Purchase or borrow a sound meter, or upload a free sound meter app on your phone and check to see how much louder it is than rated.

What to call for HVAC service?

Call for HVAC Service. Sounds that are associated with low refrigerant, coolant leaks, or refrigerant in the compressor require a service call. Unusual or loud sound or replacing the heat pump motor may also be a reason to call for assistance.

What does a compressor sound like?

At start-up, the compressor may make a thumping similar to a washing machine with an unbalanced load. During shut-down, the compressor may make a tapping-clicking or pinging sound, similar to the sounds you hear from a cooling car engine. The noises should only last for a minute or two.

How loud is a heat pump?

Many quiet heat pumps have a rating between 40dB and 60dB. For comparison, a vacuum cleaner is around 70dB, which is 4-times louder than 50 dB and 8-times louder than 40dB.

What does the sound of a heat pump mean?

The sounds the heat pump typically makes indicate what the pump is doing. The volume and duration of the sound shouldn’t fluctuate much from day to day operation, though, so if it does, there may be an issue brewing.

Why is it important to keep the heat pump clear?

During the winter, snow and ice build-up can interfere with regular operation and result in both noise and damage. Keeping the unit clear will improve operation and protect the heat pump. It is also a good idea to seasonally check for leaves and sticks collecting on and around the unit and clearing animal and insect nests too.

Why does my heat pump make a hissing noise?

An A/C or heat pump compressor (of the reciprocating or piston and cylinder design) that continues to run with damaged internal refrigerant valves may make a hissing noise too. In this case the motor will continue to run, it may not even overheat, but it's wasting electricity and running more than it should.

Why does my compressor make a hissing sound?

In particular, as your hissing sound occurs when the outside compressor/condenser unit shuts off, that sounds as if there is a sticking valve in the compressor, but from the remoteness of off-site -chatting, I can only guess.

Why does my condenser make a humming noise?

If the condenser fan does not operate (to condense high pressure high temperature refrigerant gas back to a liquid) high pressures develop on the outlet side of the compressor. Check the fan start-run capacitor and the fan motor. When an electric motor is having trouble starting you may hear humming sounds.

What happens when a compressor stops?

When the motor stops, if a valve seat is dirty or a valve in the compressor is damaged, that high pressure air may leak backwards through the valve into the low side of the system.

Why does my air handler make a noise?

This sound will occur when the fan in the the indoor air handler unit is operating, and it may change depending on the position of various duct system registers and dampers, blower condition, even air filter condition.

What causes overpressure in compressor?

Aaron: if there is an overpressure at the compressor, a cause is usually a blockage somewhere. I don't know all possible causes, but some examples are

Is it dangerous to hear a hissing sound in an HVAC system?

Common sources of hissing sounds that are less likely to be dangerous . Other HVAC system hissing sounds may be harmless such as. Hissing at the thermostatic expansion valve, typically low in volume and short in duration, and traced to the TEV or cap tube.

Why does my heat pump make a clacking noise?

Clanking noise indicates that some of the elements inside the heat pump are loose and need to be checked and tighten. Investigate the moveable parts such as the fan belt which gets loose due to wear.

What are the noise problems with heat pumps?

Heat pump noise problems such as buzzing, grinding, clicking, loud, gurgling, rattling, high-pitch, thumping, rumbling, hissing, whooshing, banging, humming, howling are just some of the sound problems that will be covered here and explained, including the reasons for an easy troubleshooting.

What does grinding noise mean?

Grinding noise means that there is a problem with the compressor or fan motor, actually bearings. If the motor lacks lubrication or there is dirt inside start looking for a new motor.

What does a heat pump do when it is cold?

During the colder weather, the heat pump which can operate at different speeds, producing the higher noise level than when it is warmer.

Why does my drain hose make a bubbling sound?

A bubbling sound usually occurs when the outdoor air enters the drain hose, especially when the house or apartment is completely closed and the wind is strong .

Is noise level normal?

The changes in the noise level are normal, and as long as noise doesn’t exceeds the level defined in the specification sheet, there is nothing that can be troubleshoot, it is not considered as the problem.

Is vibration normal under heat pump?

Vibration is also normal but can be reduce by installing the rubber isolation pads under the heat pump.

Why does my heat pump make a noise?

If you hear noises from your compressor or outdoor unit, this normally means your heat pump needs repairing. Common compressor and outdoor unit noises include loose parts rattling, vibrating, or buzzing. Electrical heat pump issues can make a popping or buzzing sound. A failing motor can buzz or vibrate. Also, a failing valve or solenoid may make a hissing, whooshing, or vibrating noise. If you hear any of these noises, call in the professionals immediately to prevent further damage.

Why does my HVAC make a popping noise?

A creaking or popping noise in your ductwork can indicate a lack of vibration dampening. Also, a whistling sound from your ducts could mean your ductwork is damaged. Ask your HVAC technician to take a closer look.

Why does my air conditioner make a clicking noise?

Loud noises from your indoor air unit are usually due to your system aging or being installed incorrectly. This unit might be due for repairs or replacement if it’s an older system. A clicking sound could mean damaged fans, belts, pistons, valve, rod, thermostat, or crankshaft.

What happens if a motor is failing?

A failing motor can buzz or vibrate. Also, a failing valve or solenoid may make a hissing, whooshing, or vibrating noise. If you hear any of these noises, call in the professionals immediately to prevent further damage.

Why Does My Heat Pump Make a Loud Noise When It Shuts Off?

It is absolutely normal for your heat pump to make noises from time to time. Especially, during shutdown, when quite a few things happen in the system.

What Does a Bad Heat Pump Sound Like?

We have already figured out that it is not always normal if the heat pump makes a loud noise when you decide to switch it off.

image

1.Hissing Sounds from Your Heat Pump - Raleigh Heating …

Url:https://www.raleighheatingandair.com/blog/hissing-sounds-from-your-heat-pump/

6 hours ago Refrigerant in your system is working under pressure, and a hissing sound near the outdoor unit could mean that the refrigerant in your system is escaping. That’s majorly bad news, because a refrigerant leak negatively affects heat pumps in a few different ways. First of all, it makes your system less effective.

2.Hissing Air Conditioner or Heat Pump noise cause & cure; …

Url:https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Hissing_HVAC_Noise_Diagnosis.php

20 hours ago Typically, hissing noises come from a leak in the pressurized refrigerant. As mentioned in the introduction, a heat pump utilizes a refrigerant in order to move air from inside to outside or vice versa. Pressure is used to change the liquid into gas, and the hissing sound indicates that the refrigerant is leaking. In order to get this fixed, you’ll need to contact a technician for a heat …

3.Troubleshooting Heat Pump Noise Problems | Causes …

Url:https://www.heatpumpshq.com/heat-pump-noise.html

20 hours ago  · An A/C or heat pump compressor (of the reciprocating or piston and cylinder design) that continues to run with damaged internal refrigerant valves may make a hissing noise too. In this case the motor will continue to run, it may not even overheat, but it's wasting electricity and running more than it should.

4.3 Reasons Your Heat Pump Is Making Loud Noises

Url:https://www.plunkettheatcool.com/blog/3-reasons-your-heat-pump-is-making-loud-noises

10 hours ago  · If you hear hissing, you have a refrigerant leak. If the leak is making a sound, it’s a large one and will prevent your unit from running in very little time. The sooner you call for service, the better. Heat Pump Repair in Fort Myers & Naples, FL. If you are noticing weird noises from your heat pump, you need to get it looked at right away. The NATE-certified technicians at …

5.Why Does Heat Pump Make a Loud Noise When It Shuts …

Url:https://hvac-boss.com/troubleshooting/heat-pump-make-a-loud-noise-when-it-shuts-off/

25 hours ago  · If your heat pump has suddenly become noisy, you may suspect that it’s about to have a breakdown. Noisy heat pumps are more common in the winter. However, the loud noises are often due to the valves shifting to put the unit into defrost mode. While a noisy heat pump could be simply that — noisy — it may also be cause for concern.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9