What’s causing my Heating System to make a Buzzing Noise?

09 Jan What’s causing my Heating System to make a Buzzing Noise?

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Winter is in full swing, which means that your heating unit will be working harder than usual. Adjusting the thermostat usually doesn’t cause any concern, or much thought at all, until you suddenly hear strange or unfamiliar sounds emanating from your heating unit. Whether you have a heat pump or furnace, noises usually indicate a problem. Today on the blog, our heat unit technicians in Kingsport want to help you determine what’s causing that buzzing noise when your heat kicks on so that you and your family can stay warm and toasty this season.

Blower Motor

Heat units get a lot of wear, especially during the winter. Running frequently and the consistent on and off of the unit could cause the motor to become loose. If this is the case, a simple tightening of a few screws may fix the buzzing noise. However, sometimes the motor may need a lubricant to keep it moving smoothly. In some cases, the noise that you hear could be a result of a broken motor. Worst case scenario, a broken motor may likely need to be replaced.

Transformer Box

The transformer’s job is to supply power to a furnace. It ensures that the unit receives the proper voltage for operating. If the transformer box is not working, it could cause the entire unit to malfunction or lead to a breakdown of other electrical components in the heating unit. Buzzing sounds from the heating unit could mean that the transformer box is dying or not mounted properly.

Capacitor

The capacitor stores power until the unit needs a boost to start the fan blower. This tiny component has a big job – to move warm air from the unit into your home. When it breaks, the unit may make strange noises or not put out any heat.

If your heating unit makes strange sounds when it runs or attempts to run, don’t ignore it. A smooth-running heating unit shouldn’t be noisy. To avoid potentially costly repairs, schedule a heating unit maintenance appointment with our certified HVAC technicians in Kingsport. Our experts can troubleshoot your heat pump or furnace issues and provide the best solution so that you and your family can stay warm during the cold winter months.

Can my broken heat unit be repaired?

It depends on the problem and the cost to repair it. If our technicians determine that the repair cost is near or as much as purchasing a new unit, and your system is quite old, you might want to consider purchasing a new one. However, that decision lies with each homeowner.

How can I prevent breakdowns of my heating unit?

Ideally, twice-yearly maintenance visits by our Kingsport electricians ensure your heating and cooling system runs smoothly during the changing seasons. These maintenance visits also allow us an opportunity to discover small issues that could cause irreparable damage to your unit if ignored. If you’d like to learn more about heating unit troubleshooting in Kingsport or need to contact an emergency HVAC technician in Johnson City, call Thompson Electrical Service today at (423) 343-5726.