How To Tell If It’s Just Your Home Comfort System Running Amuck

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means ghosts and goblins will be busy causing mischief! If you’ve been hearing scary noises coming from your basement, you may be tempted to call Ghostbusters, but the culprit may be even more frightening than a phantom: a damaged HVAC system! 

If you notice any of these spooky sounds, you may want to give us a call rather than the paranormal professionals, as these noises are most likely a sign that your home comfort system is in need of repair!

Squealing

No, that isn’t a banshee taking refuge in your residence. Squealing noises may be an indicator that you need to replace your unit’s condenser fan. Modern systems use a fan to blow impacted air over the condenser coils. However, if the motor’s bearings are out of commission, you’ll be able to tell by the screeching noises coming from the outside portion of your unit. Be sure to call a professional if your motor has failed, as attempting to resolve this issue independently may likely result in further damage to your system.

Banging

While those loud clanking sounds could be a group of troublesome ghosts raising a ruckus, it’s more likely that a few parts inside your HVAC unit have become loose. Consider calling an expert as soon as possible, as they will be able to quickly locate the damaged part before it can cause further harm and lead to a full system replacement. Unidentifiable banging sounds can also be caused by:

• Air pressure in your water pipes.
• Dirty air filters.
• Improperly draining radiator.
• Animal invaders, such as insects or rodents.

Rattling

If you think a poltergeist may be shaking its chains around in your attic, be sure to check your AC unit before you panic. While you may not be running your air conditioner in October, debris may have fallen into the outdoor portion of your system. If stray branches or clumped up leaves become stuck, they can cause significant damage and lead to costly repairs or even replacement. In addition to cleaning out your AC, be sure to trim any foliage at least 3 feet away from your unit to reduce the risk of anything falling in!

Hissing

A hissing sound within your walls probably isn’t a sinister gust of wind. Instead, it could be a leak in your air ducts. If this is the case, call an expert to properly seal your ductwork, as leaky ducts cause several problems, including: 

• Lower indoor air quality.
• Clogged air filters.
• Uneven air circulation. 
• Higher energy bills.

If you think your home is being haunted by your HVAC system, give us a call at any of our five locations or feel free to fill out a contact form. You are also welcome to utilize our live online chat service, which will connect you directly with a representative. We would be more than happy to help in any way we can!