HVAC Technicians Worry About Equipment Issues
28 posts across 2 communities in the last 60 days; 93% from r/hvacadvice.
“We’ve had numerous issues with our HVAC since brand new Mitsubishi units were installed about a month ago and this is the latest. (Previously they dropped the pump twice after telling us how delicate the pump is) turned out it was broken and they installed a new pump). Even when…”
“Hello HVAC Advise, I’ve started noticing condensation inside my furnace, and after digging into it a bit, it looks like this is a known issue with my particular setup. I went ahead and bought the Trane BAYCNDTRAP3A 3" condensate drain kit, but now I’m debating where it should…”
“Hi, my HVAC unit is making a lot of noise for about 10-20 minutes at night and then it stops. So nothing is broken, but when I had an HVAC technician come in to take a look at it, he said that Ii needed to replace the R-410 refrigerant. My unit model is Gree 36,000 BTU. My HVAC…”
Multiple posts detail concerns about HVAC equipment malfunctions, pricing issues, and the learning curve for new technicians. This highlights a frustration with unexpected repairs, high costs, and the challenges of mastering the trade.
SOURCES (60)
“We are new to radiant floor heating. Our house has a boiler and I turned it on for the first time today. Is this normal? It’s quite loud. submitted by /u/ProofSplit [link] [comments]”
Daikin RZAS100C2V1 submitted by /u/TLGreyhot [link] [comments]
“So we replaced our 10 year old Carrier single stage, "builder grade" AC with a Carrier infinity today with the full communicating system, variable speed blower, etc. So far everything has been good, but I noticed that the liquid line at the AHU is quite loud. Like the old system on R410a I could not hear, but the new one I can hear it down the hall. Any ideas what is going on? They do have 2 semi sharp 90 degree bends, so perhaps it's causing it because of that? Or could it be some”
“First time home owner here. Does the inducer noise sound normal to you? The high pitchy is quite noisy to me. Furnace model is T8MNP075751282 Inducer Jakel Inc J238-150-15251 (part 1014579) submitted by /u/PossibilityFast8217 [link] [comments]”
“I got this Delonghi Pinguino 14,000BTU a few years ago and it just started to make like a bit of high pitch weird noise. We clean the filter weekly. What’s the cause of this noise? submitted by /u/Feeling-Engineering8 [link] [comments]”
“I’m a decent person at swapping parts, I’m handy with a multimeter as well. My 25 year old AC started screaming when it started. I thought it was probably a bearing going out. Pulled a replacement fan off Amazon that matched the part number with a new capacitor that matched what was called for. Worked good. Came outside a month later and noticed the fan wasn’t turning. Killed it immediately. Tested capacitor, it was perfect. Then I saw the contactor. It was older than dirt, had a scorch mark on”
Hi all, I recently had an issue with my tankless water heater where it'd make a kazoo-like sound every time it shut down. I put in a service request and the tech…
“Why when i turn the power on I hear this very loud humming noise on this 20 ton lennox unit submitted by /u/AdvertisingVivid8439 [link] [comments]”
“Just got this installed. It’s a 2 stage Comfortmaker-4T HP 16.5 SEER2. The sound coming from it just seems abnormal to me. Is it just me or is something not right? Thanks for your feedback. submitted by /u/lyfeizfones [link] [comments]”
“We’ve had numerous issues with our HVAC since brand new Mitsubishi units were installed about a month ago and this is the latest. (Previously they dropped the pump twice after telling us how delicate the pump is) turned out it was broken and they installed a new pump). Even when we turn the unit off the sound continues for at least 5 minutes. What is going on here and how do we fix it? submitted by /u/nycmama472 [link] [comments]”
“Unit is about a month old. So very new. Last unit was a Trane as well. Single stage though. I never heard it start up this way. Fan sounds like it seems to be struggling on startup and I think I hear bubbles??? Completely new to this. Thanks in advance! submitted by /u/uwannaparty [link] [comments]”
“I’m at my wits end with my AC situation and am trying to figure out what to do next. I previously had a 4 ton trane roof unit until the motor blew at the end of June. Company came out, determined the unit was actually too large for my square footage (1200) and installed a 3 ton trane unit. 3 weeks later, the compressor fails and they install a second brand new unit. 2 days ago it’s started making the same noise as the last one, they come back out, compressor has failed again. Now, they’re tellin”
“Just moved into a new apartment and to my horror, there's a slight but incredibly irritating squealing sound when the fan is running. Doesn't matter if the compressor is running, only the fan. It reminds me of the squeal that used to come from CRT monitors or TVs as they failed. It could be airflow, maybe, but my feeling is that it's more consistent than that. Maybe something in the electronics? At any rate, I've filed a maintenance request, so we'll see what comes of that. I”
“Hello HVAC Advise, I’ve started noticing condensation inside my furnace, and after digging into it a bit, it looks like this is a known issue with my particular setup. I went ahead and bought the Trane BAYCNDTRAP3A 3" condensate drain kit, but now I’m debating where it should actually be installed (Red, Blue or Orange). The floor drain is directly below the furnace, so either location would technically work — I’m just not sure which placement is best for proper drainage and long‑term reliab”
“This is when 2 hose bibs outside are being used at once. Is this normal? Inside wall, it feels like thumping. Unmute to hear it. submitted by /u/Hawsie [link] [comments]”
“I had my AC replaced about 6 months ago. It's a different brand than my old unit, and while it seems to be working fine and cooling normally, it's noticeably louder. I took a video so you can hear it. Does this sound normal to you guys, or is there anything about the noise that stands out?. Just wanted to get some opinions. Thanks. submitted by /u/ForzaFCB [link] [comments]”
“Installed summer 2023 - feel like it’s running louder than it used to, but it’s hard to say. Measured the volume with my phone a few feet away from it at 74 db. Seems to be functioning fine as far as how it is cooling the home. Have an appointment scheduled for the installer to take a look at it. submitted by /u/Zealousideal-Data930 [link] [comments]”
“I've got a 2.5 ton 410a Carrier unit that has a production date of 2015, the house was built in 2016 and the unit installed in June of that year. We started having cooling issues, fan and compressor are all running but the line set was not cold. HVAC tech came out and said it was low on 410a and that we probably have a leak - he put in 8lbs and got us scheduled for another visit for leak finding. Same tech comes out a few days later and finds some very, very small pinhole leaks in the A-coil”
“The unit is very loud but as always been loud ever since we got the house 2 years ago. Is it normal? I placed a compressor blanket and has minimally made a difference. Thanks. submitted by /u/MrA1inLA [link] [comments]”
“New to us home with 10 year old ac. Bit loud or sounds normal for a lennox? submitted by /u/shedtobed [link] [comments]”
“Hi, my HVAC unit is making a lot of noise for about 10-20 minutes at night and then it stops. So nothing is broken, but when I had an HVAC technician come in to take a look at it, he said that Ii needed to replace the R-410 refrigerant. My unit model is Gree 36,000 BTU. My HVAC guy said that he can't locate that part and they no longer sell it due to a legal restriction, so he sent me an invoice for $8K to replace the unit entirely. I even asked a HVAC part website and they said they can'”
“This heat pump is ~4yrs old. It has always sounded like this. Maybe I should be accustomed to by now. But, I’m not. This is my first heat pump. I had no idea it would be so loud. None of the techs that installed it were concerned. Is this normal? submitted by /u/yllwjp03 [link] [comments]”
“I just moved into a studio apartment and have an Amana PTAC to cool the apartment. It is extremely loud (which I don’t care much about) but it also makes a consistent surging type noise (which is kind of annoying). I’m not sure if that is normal but I’ve been to hotels and toured a different apartment with this same air conditioner and I don’t feel like it made this noise. The video makes it sound slower for some reason but it’s a very quick and continuous surging noise. Is this a normal sound?”
“Unit suddenly started making this noise so I shut it down. Video is from a brief second I re energized it. submitted by /u/Adam_J89 [link] [comments]”
“UPDATE: it seems to be coming for the duct work. I have an intake vent above it and that's where it sounds the loudest. submitted by /u/bobclewell [link] [comments]”
“I am wondering what this loud noise could be. Had my ac mini split unit cleaned and after that cleaning an error code PC-04 started to show up and caused the unit to shut off. I called to get it checked and technician said they removed the motherboard and replaced it. Turned on and started to make a this loud noise and threw out the code PC-04 again. Shut it off and called them again. They came back and told me it wasn’t the motherboard that it was the compressor. They changed that, they left an”
“House shot up to 81 and we’re sweating! I ended up giving the fan a little kick with a stick and it cut on for about 30 seconds before stopping. The motor connected to the fan is also feeling pretty hot. submitted by /u/joe18__ [link] [comments]”
“Okay okay I know what you're thinking, "whooshing is normal for an ac unit since it LITERALLY blows air", but hear me OUT. I've had this unit for a year, maybe year and a half now, it's been fantastic, I love it. It was given to me by my parents, and they probably had it for a few months to a year before they gave it to me. So trust me when I say it's NEVER made this noise before. When I first started noticing it, it was probably a few weeks ago. I assumed maybe it had”
“I recently moved into a new SFH with some sort of Bryant system - electric a/c, gas heat, 8 years old. I had the HVAC guy in because the thing sounds like an engine when it runs. The HVAC pro was baffled and told me the system/air intake(?) sounding like a "dryer running" is totally normal. My last home of two years had the system in the basement so I thought I had just forgotten what the air running sounded like. My previous home had the system in the attic/in a closet outside my room”
“Got it installed with only a 1/4" layer of foam underneath, which isn't going to add much isolation. While I can hear it run occasionally, it's no noisier than my old tank heater. And I can't hear it at all when my HVAC is running.”
“Brand new system installed Tuesday and this is what it sounds like. I’ve had two technicians out to check charge pressure. They all saying it’s with normal specs. For some reason. I don’t believe that these things are supposed to be that loud supposed to have a Tempstar rep out Monday is so loud in the house. Any help would be appreciated! submitted by /u/Impossible_Mouse1173 [link] [comments]”
“Has always made a bit of a high pitched noise but this feels even louder and can be heard from the living room. Video captures the sounds pretty well. Any ideas what causes this? Unit is only 2 years old and we change the filter every month. Living in FL with high humidity, idk if that would be valuable information? Any help is appreciated!! submitted by /u/lavender_and_sage [link] [comments]”
“My unit is less than 6 months old and it's making this strange noise, I wanted to see what the noise is and how I can fix it? submitted by /u/stealthwarriorofwl [link] [comments]”
can you guys please help diagnose this terrible screeching? As someone who grew up working on cars, it sounds like a loose fan belt, but in my experience a loose fan belt…
“A recent client was a bit worried about how loud the machine ran and asked if it could turned down. For context: I’m running a Honda GX390 it was mid week and mid day. Machine was running at full throttle and positioned in their backyard on grass. Not much more you can do about noise I don’t think but interested if anyone’s ever had a similar issue or even had a solution or a warning to clients about noise. submitted by /u/No_Delivery681 [link] [comments]”
“Hey all, quick question here- I was changing the filter in my unit and noticed it’s making a steady popping noise. It’ll stop for a second, and pick back up. You can hear it in the video. Everything is running good right now, just want to be sure it’s not a sign of something wearing or a maintenance item I need to take care of. For context, it’s a Carrier unit model FE4ANB006 installed in 2018. Thanks! submitted by /u/K-J-V [link] [comments]”
“This is a new ac. It started making this high pitched noise. It's cooling the house. What could the noise be? This is inside the townhouse, not the outside unit! submitted by /u/Wise-Trip1025 [link] [comments]”
“Is this a normal sound from a new American Standard 4 ton when it shuts off. AC contractor said that’s the way they sound now Thank in advance submitted by /u/Weekofsex [link] [comments]”
“New install by a certified HVAC tech, unit works great and blows great as well. It's been about a week but I'm noticing this odd noise, almost like something is loose. I've pushed around some and reset the filter, pushed on the grills, but it doesn't change. submitted by /u/drunk-tard96 [link] [comments]”
“It's 115˚ outside and it's set to 74˚ inside, I can't hear my neighbors A/C but they can hear mine. Does this sound out of the ordinary? Thank you submitted by /u/Heliwomper [link] [comments]”
“Older Heil AC unit started making loud vibration/fan noises recently. The shaft on the motor can move in and out of the housing about 5mm or so, but there's no side to side play. Could this be my problem or is this normal? I can't see anything wrong with the blades themselves as far as I can tell. submitted by /u/domeski93 [link] [comments]”
“I have a new ductless system installed that's about 3 weeks old. The condensate pump is a Little Giant VCMA-15UL. Every time after the pump kicks off it makes a loud gurgling noise. I don't care about the pump noise but the gurgling noise is extremely annoying. Especially considering there are 2 of these pumps in relatively close proximity. Any known cause of this? EDIT: Here's an example of what it more or less sounds like https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rQ2vh9mn3Bo submitted b”
“We just bought a 31 year old house that still had the original Trane unit and it still functioned. Just replaced it with a new Trane unit in March. This week started clattering when it started up so our installer put in a new compressor. Now new unit grinds loudly when starting and acts like it’s struggling to start. Techs called Trane and they said they are having problems with 5 ton units and trying to fix them. What does that mean? How long will it take to get a replacement if it fails? It’s”
“Hi! i work from home a few days a week and my desk is in the same room where i'll be putting the AC. My current portable unit is loud than i expected and it's getting old pretty fast. i'm looking for a small window air conditioner but I'm not sure what features actually make a difference for noise. if you've owned one that stayed reasonably quiet, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience. Thank you. submitted by /u/Rophin_Zayasa [link] [comments]”
“Unit is usually silent. This noise kicks on every 45 mins or so when cooling. Normal? submitted by /u/EmeraldRanch69 [link] [comments]”
“New build (rental). Moved in April 2026. The noise is so loud I can hear it in my bedroom, that is adjacent to it. My neighbors unit doesn’t sound like this. And neither has any other home I have lived in. The installation company had to come out today to repair a cracked drain pipe from the initial install, so I asked him about it. He claims it’s normal. Also the housing around the outdoor unit has a dent in it on the back side closet to the house. I know it’s not my property, but I had a horri”
“I have a new American Standard GOLD 17 Seer unit. The condenser outside is REALLY loud. My original installer has inspected, reinspected, moved me to an American Standard Thermostat controller. Nothing helps. It operates at 75db on high speed. I reached out another reputable American Standard dealer and THEY inspected and found nothing wrong. In fact, they said they no longer install these models due to consistent noise compliants. Any thoughts on what I should do? A noise blanket has been recom”
New install occurred in May, and they claimed to have installed a 2-ton unit. However, I remain uncertain if that's accurate. About a week later, I noticed it was making pulsing noises,…
“Title is pretty much it. Unit is 10 years old, HVAC company is saying the compressor could go soon. Not sure whether I should pull the trigger. submitted by /u/CrazyCabbage101 [link] [comments]”
“Hoping I'm missing something easy before calling a tech. All of a sudden my 10 year old Trane isn't turning on about 90% of the time. When the thermostat tells the a/c to turn on, the AHU fan kicks on but nothing happens outside. Fan doesn't start up, no compressor sounds, no sounds of any kind. This is happening 90% on the time but every so often the unit will start up and start cooling. Any idea as to what could be going on? Anything that I can check? I'm stumped but would like”
“I recently had my hvac unit replaced, brand new carrier condenser unit. I happened to be outside when the unit was powering down and noticed it was making some funky ass noises. I took some videos, shared it with the guy who installed it, he said it was normal but I wanted a 2nd opinion. Should it sound like this? submitted by /u/DocBrown1105 [link] [comments]”
“I have temporarily bought a portable AC unit until I can get a proper split install. It’s an iPAC-55 which has 18,000BTU. The room I’m trying to cool is roughly 5m x 5m x 2.4m. The doors are shut. I have installed it in the attic above the room and using standard insulated ducting, ducted the hot exhaust out the building and cold through the ceiling of the room I’m trying to cool. It’s set to the lowest temperature of 17*C, compressor is running, not variable and drawing 1400W. The air coming th”
“I've got a couple of metal A/C intake covers on the ceilings in the bedrooms of my home and they vibrate creating a high pitched noise when the A/C is running (The A/C unit in located above them in the attic). I can feel the vibration when I push my hand against it, and if I lightly press on the cover the vibration and noise stop. What's the best fix for this? A rubber gasket around the whole vent or maybe a rubber washer between the ceiling and the screws? Switching to plastic covers? A”
“My idylis portable ac has started to trip my breaker. After looking online a likely culprit is that the compressor and everything inside basically has caked on dust, very thick. Does this check out? I tried to open it up and spray some of that coil cleaner stuff but got stuck trying to remove read shell to access the area near condenser (circled in red). After removing the screws there are some clips that hold the shell to the unit and apparently with this model they are tough to get loose. I am”
“my ac has been making a weird gurgle noise for a little bit now on and off, but i come home tonight from being away for not even 24 hours and its making this aggravating noise and i was wondering if there’s anything i could do to help or do i just call maintenance and wait. thank you submitted by /u/molar54 [link] [comments]”