Noisy air ducts are almost always a cause for concern because they’re usually a symptom of a bigger underlying issue. To help you determine what’s causing air duct noises, the AC troubleshooting system experts at Air Products & Services list the usual culprits below.
The Usual Culprits
In most cases, anything that hampers airflow will cause noise. If airflow is restricted and the air building up becomes too much for the vents to handle, static pressure increases, creating additional noise. The usual culprits are the following:
- Clogged vent dampers – You can close the vent dampers to restrict airflow to a room, just in case it gets too hot. Closing one damper shouldn’t create any problems. However, closing several can create noise and place undue stress on your HVAC unit. Most contractors would recommend leaving all your dampers open as much as possible.
- Sagging or bent ducts – It’s harder for air to move freely through ducts that are bent or sagging.
- Dirty filters – Dirty filters and air ducts can lower indoor air quality and restrict airflow indoors, which can create noise.
- Temperature Differences – Other times, the underlying cause might not be that serious. For example, when warm air passes through cold air ducts, the contracting and expanding metal produces popping sounds. You might even hear some creaking sounds if your vents are installed near a wooden ceiling.
Why HVAC Inspections Are a Must
It’s important to pinpoint the exact cause of air duct noises. After all, the last thing anyone would want in the middle of winter is for their furnace to break down. The only way to know what’s been making noises in your vents is to have them inspected by a heating and AC repair company. Just make sure to hire one that’s qualified. The number of certifications and amount of experience a contractor has can give you an idea of their level of expertise.
Air Products & Services, a factory-authorized Carrier® dealer with nearly four decades’ worth of experience, offers a wide range of professional HVAC services, including air conditioning replacement services. To get a free estimate on your new furnace, call us at (818) 989-2030 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Tarzana, CA, as well as the surrounding communities.
