Heating equipment noise diagnosis and repair questions & answers:

Frequently-asked questions on the causes and cures for noises coming from heating equipment in buildings.

This noise control article series discusses the diagnosis and cure of heating system noises, including heating equipment noise, heat piping or ductwork noises, radiator noises, steam pipe banging, and steam radiator vent noise control.

Heating System Noise Questions & Answers

Recently-posted questions & answers about heating system noise diagnosis that were posted originally

at HEATING SYSTEM NOISE DIAGNOSIS - home. Please be sure to review the types of heating system noises, their sources, and cures outlined on that page.

On 2018-04-10 by (mod) - buzzing noises in heating systems

Pjh

at HEATING SYSTEM NOISE DIAGNOSIS - home - you will find descriptions of and links to details about the various sources of buzzing noises at heating systems.

From your brief note I suspect there is a failing relay or motor in a zone valve.

On 2019-01-10 by Pjh

We have 3 heating zones. One of them we turn the thermostat up and takes awhile just to bring up the temp a degree or two even though I raise it 6 to 8 degrees.

Theres also a box (basement) over the main heating pipe that goes to that zone. Theres a buzzing sound coming from the box...does anyone know what the problem is?

On 2018-04-10 by (mod) -

Lisa

what you describe could be normal operation if the boiler is still hot when the temperature drops and the thermostat calls for heat again.

You don't say where you live, but in the U.S. hot water heat is usually set up so that the thermostat turns on the circulator pump(s) and the temperature of the boiler water turns the burner on and off.

On the other hand if the temperature continues to drop and the burner NEVER comes on then your system needs service and repair.

On 2018-04-10 by Lisa

My boiler comes on once it reaches temperature it shuts off, however when the temperature drops it comes on but doesn't ignite. Can you please tell me what can that be

On 2018-04-10 by Lana

Sporadic Short Wailing sounds from a less than 6 month old Noris tankless water heater

On 2018-03-11 by (mod) - whining noise on water heater FASCO draft inducer

John

Best would be to have an onsite expert familiar with the Fasco draft inducer. Where I've met that noise problem I found

- missing or improperly-installed draft hood

- a need to adjust air intake around a draft hood

- improperly sized, routed, or partly-blocked flues or flue-vent connectors

On 2018-03-11 by John

Eliminating the loud whining noise on a (FASCO 239-45584-00) water heater exhaust draft inducer.

On 2018-02-06 by (mod) - heat pump system booms every few hours

Sounds like thermal expansion and contraction of the metal ductwork.

On 2018-02-05 by Carolyn

My ductwork for heat pump system booms every few hours. Outside temps have been single digits at night. Ductwork may never have been cleaned. Rectangular metal. Not insulated.

On 2018-01-28 by Nick - water heater sound of large animal snorting

It’s my furnace or water heater. The noise reminds me of a large animal pushing air out of its nostrils or air being relieved from a bleeder valve on the bottom of an air compressor. Last time I heard this noise was dec 25, 2017. Any idea what could be going on?

On 2017-10-12 by (mod) - forced hot water heat banging noise

Tim,

be sure to review the details of diagnostic suggestions for banging noises found at
https://inspectapedia.com/heat/Banging_Pipes_Radiators.php

On 2017-10-11 by Tom

My heating system is a FHW system and it makes loud banking noises. I have a new relay and pump already installed. Still making loud banking noises

On 2017-09-18 by Terry - hammering noise at old boiler

I have an older boiler system heating a 4-plex. When I shut the manual valves off to the front /rear hall rads( not necessary for heat there yet) I get a hammering noise in the boiler room. I notice that when the boiler shuts down, the temp gauge keeps rising well beyond the boiler thermostat setting. When I run the system with the front/rear hall rad valves open, everything runs fine. What gives?? Thanks

On 2017-07-11 1 by Jade Brunet: dog barks at the furnace because of strange furnace noise

Jade Brunet said:
Our dog keeps barking at the furnace because of a strange sound it is making, and we are looking to get the problem solved. It is good to know that a clanking in the heating system pipes may be heard as a normal consequence of expansion of metals during the heating cycle.

Learning that this noise can be eliminated by careful routing of piping is helpful information. We will look more into this with our HVAC contractor, thanks.

On 2017-05-01 by Carolyn - loud noise every 20 minutes

I live in a condo building with hot water heat. At night, at twenty-minute intervals, I hear a loud noise. It sounds as though the upstairs fell out of bed. It only happens during cold weather. The building manager assures me these noises are normal, however I am the only person who is hearing the noises. It is a loud thump, followed by little thumps.

On 2017-04-23 by (mod) - buzzing heat pump sound

Armand:

Take a look at the sources of buzzing noises in an HVAC system listed in the article above.

Then go take a closer look at the air handler, checking for
- a failing low voltage transformer
- a failing control relay switch
- a loose blower door or motor mount or other component

Let me know what you find.

D

On 2017-04-23 by Armand

I have a heat pumps system that usually is not, running due to alternative heat source I use.
However we get a buzzing sound continuously in the attic from the air handler system . Any idea what may be causin this relatively loud buzzing sound that can be heard through the vents?

On 2017-04-01 by (mod) - ow frequency hum/vibration noise

If you turn off all of the mechanical systems including plumbing and electrical and heating in the noise continues, but at least we believe that the noise was coming from it exterior Source. At that point I'd be looking for a nearby low voltage Transformer.

On 2017-04-01 by ANN

I have a low frequency hum/vibration noise that I can feel/hear in every room in house, it goes on and off for hours, I have shut off the water from stop tap and noise is still there. I have also switched the electricity off from the mains and the noise is still there. Do you have any advice?

Thanks Ann.

On 2017-02-25 1 by (mod) - banging noise at new gas boiler - safety first!

Deirdre

FIRST let's confirm where the noise is occurring. If it is at the boiler itself then the system may be unsafe, particularly if the noise is a gas explosion. IN that case I would TURN OFF the boiler and call for emergency repair.

If the banging noise is coming from other mechanical components like a zone valve or circulator pump, the problem is probably mechanical and still needs repair but is less likely to be an emergency.

Also search InspectApedia.com for BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS to see more banging noise diagnosis and repair advice for heating boilers

Also see BANGING BOOMING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE - home

On 2017-02-25 by Deirdre Lintott

We have a new gas boiler that has been installed. One zone makes a loud banging noise when the zone comes on or turns off.We did not have this problem with the old boiler. What can we do to fix the problem?

On 2017-01-09 by (mod) - hissing at the heating boiler

Sg,

I'm sure there may be other causes of hissing at the heating boiler besides that which occurred to me immediately. But the first thing I would look for would be a leak in the boiler itself. For example a leak into the combustion chamber. Sometimes also a leak in piping or controls above the boiler May drip water onto a hot surface. So I'm suggesting we start by looking for water leaks.

This may be difficult for you to do unless you have some training. But your heating service contractor can certainly inspect the inside of the combustion chamber and should be able to show you if there is an indication of leakage there.

On 2017-01-08 by Sg

My hot water tank/boiler/immersion heater is hissing even when everything is off. Any ideas of what this may be? Thanks

On 2016-12-05 by Jc - noisy Burnam Boiler

We just replaced our boiler it's a Burnham 231iq
It's in our bacement
The boiler make lots of noice
Also we hear it from the chimney outside
Chimany had been cleaned
Watt you think this may be do I need to worry
Thanks

On 2016-10-13 by Lee - Rapid rhythmic pulsing sound from heating system boiler

Rapid rhythmic pulsing sound from baseboard heating system boiler

On 2016-05-20 by Mandy - airplane noise from heating ducts

Hi ,
Our ducted heating system sounds like we are sitting in plane.. Dnt know what to do... We build new home 3 yrs back... Heating installed at that time... Any advise pls.

On 2016-03-30 by (mod) - buzzing gas wall heater

Mary

From just your e-text I can't know what's going on nor what is causing the buzzing - it could be an electrical component such as a relay, switch or transformer, or it could be bees.

I suggest

turn off the gas supply to the heater


turn off electrical power to the heater or if there is no separate electrical switch, ask your electrician to disconnect it and to safely cap off its wires.

A bath heater that has not been used for 50 years is surely not needed.

See
See HEATING SYSTEM BUZZING NOISE

On 2016-03-30 by Mary

There is a gas wall heater in the bathroom. It has not been used since 1965. Yesterday it began making a buzzing sound and has no stopped. There is no odor of gas. Is this a dangerous problem? What could be causing this?

On 2016-01-28 by Stan Kato - drum sound from water heater

I replaced our water heater and I still have a sound like a drum a various hours of the day.

On 2015-11-19 by (mod) - crackling noise at boiler

Look for thermal expansion of metal parts - if so that's probably harmless.

Other sounds, if related to flame or to overheating could raise safety concerns.

On 2015-11-19 1 by TOM NEELY - loud popping sound when A/C comes on

Ihave a miniboiler model emb-9 that is making a kind of crackling noise when heat is called for then stops and seems to work and heat properly

Reader Question: (July 11, 2012) vanessa said: Hello, Our brand new home with American Standard thermostat control display unit make a loud "popping" sound when activated for the a/c. Slightly less when it goes off. We've had the contractor/builder, electrician and HVAC guy out and they say there isn't anything to do. "All these low voltage thermostats make this noise." This is the first time in a slew of homes we have owned that this is an issue.

Is this an issue? Should we be concerned? Should we have an independent HVAC company out to review the system prior to our one year warranty with the builder expires. Any help would be grateful..... Thanks, V

Reply:

Vanessa, I suggest noting the brand and model of your thermostat and then giving the manufacturer a call. Or send us a photo of the thermostat along with its brand and model number and we'll research it further. Most thermostats in homes use low voltage wiring at which electricall-generated noises would be unusual.

If your thermostat is a 120V model, an unsafe electrical short or electrical arcing could be the problem.

But for this question and with no more information we can't second guess your onsite people, but loud popping from a thermostat sounds unusual to me and I imagine that the manufacturer would like to know about it and would have some advice for you. Keep us posted on what you're told - what you learn will help other readers.

Question: chirping noises in my new house

(July 16, 2012) Bill said:
Hi....maybe you can diagnose a sound for me? I am in a new house, about 3 yrs old. Ever since our move-in I've noticed a sharp chirp which occurs at a fairly consistent time interval, maybe 2-3 minutes apart. It sounds very much like a smoke detector that needs a new battery. I've wandered around our unfinished basement trying to pinpoint the sourse and it appears to come from the furnace, an electric model (can't remember brand right now).

I want to put an extra bedroom in the basement but this chirping would drive me crazy if I had to sleep there. It seems to be coming from higher up on the unit, somewhere north of where the ducting comes from the top of the unit but I can't be sure. This isn't a chirping like a bird, ie multiple rapid chirps. This is just one sharp, loud chirp which repeats every couple minutes like clockwork. Any suggestions? I appreciate your help!

Reply: check your smoke or CO detectors

Bill, you might want to go back to our root noise diagnosis article beginning at

Search InspectApedia for - NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE

Chirping as you describe is often traded to a smoke detector that was stuck somewhere not obvious. Look also for a CO detector that someone may have just plugged into a wall receptacle somewhere.

Question: no heat until I push on wires at the zone valve

(Oct 8, 2012) Everett said:
no heat, zone valve cover is warm. When I push up on the wires going intoo the bottom of valve, the burner ignites and iI get heat. problem is intermittent. Furnace is only four years old, and we have already replaced three zone valves at considerable cost.

Reply:

I think you want to see the troubleshooting help found at

ZONE VALVES, HEATING

Question: sparking noises at the heater

(Apr 3, 2013) kev said:
Keep hearing spark noises

Reply:

Kev take a look at the diagnosis and repair advicve at

GAS IGNITER DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR

Watch out: if your gas appliance is not igniting and working normally it may be unsafe; in that case shut it off and call your heating service company for inspection and repair.

Question: heating baseboard noises, ticking clicking noises from heat piping

(Feb 4, 2014) Anonymous said:
the thermal baseboard heater is making a lot of noise in my apartment, and I don not wich is the problem

(Mar 2, 2014) Mumtaz said:
A loud ticking noise is coming from my ceiling in my living room when ever heater is running. There is a bedroom above my living room and it looks like it is coming from heating pipes running across the ceiling, need advice what needs to be done to fix the problem. Thanks.

Reply:

Mumtaz
Often these TICKING NOISES are thermal expansion of piping or building materials. Often we can fix the problem by using noise-resistant plastic or nylon pipe supports or by cutting clearance openings around the pipe at passages through building materials. You may need to seal such openings with a fire-resistant foam.

Question: noise from outdoor furnace: Raytherm Raypack 133 furnace

(Mar 5, 2014) Anonymous said:
I have a noise coming from my furnace which is located outside. I have a raytherm (raypak) 133 furnace which also heats up my domestic water.

My circulator pump runs 24/7 and I recently just replaced it, so I know it can't be that.

The noise I hear is a quick 2 second noise that happens right before the furnace turns on. I'm not sure if it can possibly be some type of valve that might be broken inside and that's rattling or perhaps something else? Can someone please help me. I will try to make a video and post it on youtube... will post the link once I get that done.

Reply:

Anon we'll be glad to look at your video, even copy it at InspectApedia to invite further comment if that's helpful.

A first step might be to try to isolate the noise to a specific component. One can do this by careful observation at equipment start-up or by employing a mechanic's stethoscope or even a simple short length of pipe to check and listen to different device.

Another approach is to ask what device operate at the start of a heating cycle. Examples include:

- an automatic barometric damper or flue damper that operates before the burner comes on
- a quickstop valve on the oil line
- relays that are turning on a hot water circulator

- a draft inducer fan

Keep us posted and we'll pursue it.

Question: train sounds when furnace shuts off

(Nov 19, 2014) Kathleen said:
Train like sound when furnance shuts off...usually when the downstairs shuts off first

Reply:

Kathleen,

Watch out: Since a train like sound can indicate a chimney fire I would turn off the system and call your heating service company for emergency service.

If the noise continues AFTER you turn off power to your heater you should leave the home and call the fire department.

Hopefully the issue is something else.

Question: water hammer noises in heat piping

(Dec 26, 2014) Robin said:
We are having our unfinished basement finished which included moving some water pipes about 12 inches over on the ceiling of the basement. Ever since we are hearing many water hammers and banging noises both when hot water is running and not running. The plumber has insisted that all he did was move the pipes and it is nothing he has done. Any ideas?

Reply:

Robin it would be odd for adding finish materials to directly impact plumbing though I suppose it might re-direct sounds a bit. I'd take a look at our water-hammer diagnosis and repair advice at

inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Hammer_Noise.php

Question: buzzing noise from electric heat vent

(Jan 9, 2015) Anonymous said:
I hear a buzzing sound coming from my vent in the upstairs hall way. I have electrical heating and air condition. How do I locate the problem.

Reply:

If we assume the noise is related to the operation of equipment, try turning off individual appliances or circuits one by one to narrow down the source. I'm not sure if you are hearing a relay buzz, a control buzz, a fan motor buzz, or loose ductwork rattling.

Question: loud bang from expanding metal in propane fireplace

25 January 2015 Sandi said:
I have a propane fireplace about an hour after turning it off there is a very loud bang. The dealer states this is the metal contracting. My question is will this cause any damage to the chimney?

Reply:

Sandi:

OPINION: I would indeed ask for a careful inspection by a certified chimney sweep or fireplace installer (not your dealer), and I would also give a call to the manufacturer of your fireplace heater - or give us the brand and model of your heater and we'll also research this question.

Watch out: While some metal expansion noises may be normal, I'm concerned that flexing of metal components might ultimately cause cracking that could create a fire or carbon monoxide hazard.

Question: banging boiler noises after it was modified

(Mar 24, 2015) Anonymous said:
My boiler was modified (shortened) to build another room in the basement. Ever since that happened, it makes a banging noise when the blower goes into the shut down cycle. Does anyone know what that is?

Reply:

Anon

Ask what has changed?

Where is the banging : ductwork, pipes, or at the boiler itself. The latter could be dangerous.

please searcvh InspectApedia for these diagnostic articles

BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS
BOILER NOISE SMOKE ODORS

and be sure to see

PUFFBACKS, OIL BURNER

Question: burring noises

July 1, 2015) Anonymous said:
Ray.I live in terraced house number 2, whenever number 1 switches on her heating I can hear burring noise in the vicinity of number 1 c/how unit coming from the party wall. Also higher up the stairs a meter or so away. Helpuffp

Reply:

I suggest trying a mechanics's stethoscope to pin down the exact noise source.

Question: whining noise coming from all my walls when the heat goes on

J2015/10/27 Jody said:

I have a high pitched whining noise coming from all my walls when the heat goes on. The sound is even present in the hall. My downstairs neighbor also has the sound I live in a two story garden apartment and this noise started three years ago when the management installed a new boiler.

the maintnenace people cant seems to figure it out and its only getting worse. Any idea what this could be?

Reply:

Usually the noise situation you describe is traced to electric motor vibration, a circulator pump vibration, or noises that originate at the boiler but that are transmitted into the building via the heating pipes. Sometimes simple sound isolation such as using sound isolation on pipe supports or on oil burner fuel piping will fix the complaint.

Because there could also be unsafe conditions right at the boiler, a professional inspection of the system is warranted.

...

Continue reading at HEATING SYSTEM NOISE DIAGNOSIS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

HVAC Noise Articles

• HEATING SYSTEM NOISE DIAGNOSIS - home
  • AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP NOISES
  • AIR DUCTS, HVAC NOISE
  • BANGING BOOMING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE - home
  • BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS
  • BOILER NOISE SMOKE ODORS
  • BUZZING NOISE, HEATER
  • CHIMNEYS & CHIMNEY FIRES
  • CIRCULATOR NOISES
  • CIRCULATOR PUMPS & RELAYS
  • COMPRESSOR CONDENSER NOISES
  • ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS
  • DRAFT INDUCER FANS
  • DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS
  • GAS FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS
  • HISSING NOISES in BUILDINGS
  • LOW VOLTAGE WIRING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
  • LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING & CONTROL RELAYS
  • LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS, TRANSVERTERS, CONVERTERS
  • LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER, TRANSVERTER DIAGNOSIS
  • LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER TEST
  • OIL BURNER MOTOR NOISE
  • OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS - home
  • OIL BURNER NOISE DIAGNOSTIC INDEX
  • OIL LINE BUZZ & VIBRATION CURE
  • PUFFBACKS, OIL BURNER
  • RADIATORS
  • SOOT on OIL FIRED HEATING EQUIPMENT
  • STEAM VENT NOISE
  • VIBRATION DAMPENERS
  • WATER HEATER NOISE DIAGNOSIS, CURE
• NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE - home
• SOUND EVENT LOG

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HEATING NOISE DIAGNOSIS FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to HEATING SYSTEMS

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