It’s normal for heat pumps to make some noise, but that noise should be no more than a mild and inoffensive hum. If your system begins emitting any kind of extreme noises, that is a fairly reliable sign that something is wrong with it. For the benefit of residents of West End, NC, here are some reasons why a heat pump might become especially noisy.
Gurgling or Bubbling
Gurgling or bubbling noises are the telltale signs that your heat pump has been leaking refrigerant. Heat pumps can’t perform heat transfer without this substance, so you must replace it. However, since refrigerant can be toxic, you should leave the job of doing so in professional hands.
Hissing
If you hear a hissing sound coming from your heat pump, chances are high that the system’s reversing valve has somehow malfunctioned. This is quite a serious problem since the reversing valve is the key component that allows the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes.
The reversing valve is what reverses the direction in which refrigerant flows through your system, allowing the system to move from depositing heat outside when refrigerant condenses to depositing it into your home. If the reversing valve breaks or loads up with debris, your heat pump may not be able to heat your home at all. It’s imperative to call a repair technician when you hear this noise.
Swooshing
You may hear your heat pump make this noise from time to time during the winter. Thankfully, a swooshing sound is not usually a sign of trouble. Most commonly, it means that your heat pump has entered defrost mode — probably because the cold weather has caused ice to accumulate on its coils.
The sooner you’re able to resolve the underlying issues that the sounds point to, the more likely you’ll be to save yourself some trouble this winter. For skilled help, contact Sandhills Heating, Refrigeration & Electrical, and get the best heat pump service in West End, NC.
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