It’s normal to hear some noise coming from your air vents when the HVAC system is running. If the usual noise volume increases, or you start to hear flapping, rattling or high-pitched sounds from the supply vents, return grilles or ceiling diffusers, it’s likely due to an increase in pressure caused by airflow restrictions somewhere in the HVAC system. Addressing the underlying cause of noisy air vents is vital, because operating the HVAC system without sufficient airflow makes the equipment work harder, so it consumes more energy and is more vulnerable to breakdowns and failures.
Solving Airflow Restrictions That Cause Noisy Vents
Airflow restrictions can occur for a number of reasons, and some are easy to diagnose and deal with on your own:
- Dirty air filter— Replace a clogged filter right away, then check it monthly and change it when you see any debris accumulation.
- Closed or obstructed registers— Make sure the supply and return registers are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs or long window coverings so air can circulate freely through the system.
- Closed duct dampers— If there are dampers on your ductwork and one gets stuck closed, it can impact proper airflow through the HVAC system. To prevent this, make sure they’re all open.
- Debris in the ductwork— Items can fall down through the registers such as nails, screws, small toys or even construction materials and sawdust. If you can’t access the debris, you may need to have the ductwork cleaned professionally.
If you check for and address all of the above issues, but you’re still hearing noise from the vents when the blower fan is running, it’s time to have an HVAC professional evaluate the system’s performance. A knowledgeable pro will inspect the components and check the static pressure and CFM of air movement through the system. An expert diagnosis can determine whether there are issues like undersized ducts, inadequate return airflow, or damaged or obstructed ducts that need to be addressed. If you need help finding and fixing the cause of noisy air vents in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).