I envision the mob with pickaxes to knock on my door!

November 11, 2009 6:54 PM

Does the noise my heat pump makes upon start-up sound normal?

Does this noise my Trane XLi makes upon start-up sound ok?

It's a little over a year old, and it started making this noise some time over the summer. It makes this same noise in both heating and cooling season.

It's incredibly obnoxious and I'm surprised my neighbor hasn't taken a hammer to it (esp. during the summer when he's sleeping with the windows open).

I had the tech out a few months ago for it's first "tune-up" (which was a waste of money, btw) and of course when he was here, it was much quieter for whatever reason.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

posted by Zoyashka to home & garden (4 comments total)

Are you talking about that rubber duck squeak sound? That makes me think of something leaking past a pressure seal.

If the coolant was leaking, the tech should have caught it, assuming he did a pressure test. Of course, that'sa big assumption.
posted by Jimmy Havok at 8:53 PM on November 11

Actually I'm asking about the ridiculous clunking noise it makes when starting. I think the squeak you're mentioning is when someone came into the room and started talking :)
posted by Zoyashka at 9:13 PM on November 11

I think that the clunk of the compressor kicking-in (or some other electro-mechanical bit in there) Hard to say if that's normal, though. I've heard older units make similar noises, but, being only a year old, I'd expect yours to be a lot quieter.

Is it still under warranty? I'd suggest you call a different Trane-authorized service center and describe the noise. See if they think it's a problem.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:08 AM on November 12

Sounds like the solenoid in the relay closing, then a 60 Hz buzz as the compressor and fan both get up to speed, both of which sound normal to me. Of course, I'm not an HVAC specialist, so you'd do well to get your local Trane guy out there.
posted by squorch at 6:48 AM on November 12