May
2
split heat pump noise when very cold?
Filed Under HVAC
Alona L asked:
Hi
We have a Goodman 92% furnace with 12 SEER split heat pump. (copied this directly from invoice). It is approx. 2 years old. Last night it got very cold for our area (11 degrees) and the heat pump has been making a grinding/humming noise when it shuts down, before the whooshing sound. The grinding/humming noise only lasts a few seconds. Usually it just makes a whooshing noise when it cycles off. The heat is working normally, ie, the house is staying warm. I checked the unit outside to see if there was something visibly wrong–all I noticed was a tiny amount of ice on the very bottom, inside the unit. What’s going on? Is the new noise because the gas is coming on? Should I call a professional?
Thanks for the replies so far. It has warmed up and the unit is no longer making the noise. I did change the filter as recommended and the vents are open. Thanks again for the help.
Question posted courtesy of: Charlotte
Hi
We have a Goodman 92% furnace with 12 SEER split heat pump. (copied this directly from invoice). It is approx. 2 years old. Last night it got very cold for our area (11 degrees) and the heat pump has been making a grinding/humming noise when it shuts down, before the whooshing sound. The grinding/humming noise only lasts a few seconds. Usually it just makes a whooshing noise when it cycles off. The heat is working normally, ie, the house is staying warm. I checked the unit outside to see if there was something visibly wrong–all I noticed was a tiny amount of ice on the very bottom, inside the unit. What’s going on? Is the new noise because the gas is coming on? Should I call a professional?
Thanks for the replies so far. It has warmed up and the unit is no longer making the noise. I did change the filter as recommended and the vents are open. Thanks again for the help.
Question posted courtesy of: Charlotte
Comments
2 Responses to “split heat pump noise when very cold?”
It sounds like you might have a resrictive flow of air to your unit. Maybe try looking at the air filter to see it is dirty. Sometimes that will cause it to freeze up, also make sure your vents are not all closed.
Hello Alona L:
Heat pumps are good to about 36* outside air temperature. Below that, they have difficulty extracting heat from the air. If your home is warm, and the outdoor unit is running, your system is working to capacity. The grinding/humming noise most likely is the refrigerant pressure equalizing in the system. It is not leaking out, it is just settling down.
It is a good idea to have your system inspected and serviced once a year by a professional. The company that installed the unit should be able to recommend a reliable company.