Wedgewood/Houston HVAC Services

Your unit can range in the noises it makes. Some noises, though unusual, are harmless whiles others are not. For units with a heat pump, defrost mode will often sound different from its normal heat mode. Depending on how much ice there is outside your unit, it can sound anywhere from a flushing toilet, whooshing of pressures, to a low throttling motorcycle. These noises will continue until the defrost is complete.

Noises of concern sound like metal against metal or screeching or grinding. If your unit sounds like that, it’s best to contact a professional as it is likely to indicate something is wrong.

A simple change in a unit’s performance might be the first sign a homeowner will notice, as temperatures in the home fail to keep at normal settings. Other signs to watch out for are unusual screeching sounds, burning smells that linger, and even higher than usual energy bills.

If you’re not sure what type of heating system you have, first consider your home utility bills. If you only have an electric bill, chances are you have a heat pump or straight electric-style unit. If you have a gas bill, it’s possible you could have a furnace, which utilizes fuel consumption to generate heat.

You can also use your home’s thermostat as an indicator. If you see an emergency (or auxiliary) heat setting on your thermostat, chances are likely that you’ve got a heat pump.

If you’re still not sure, a qualified HVAC technician can help you determine the type of system you have.

For Tennessee homes, Parthenon recommends a heat pump system because it is a simpler system with less parts to break, it’s eco-friendly, and it doesn’t require the additional installation of a gas line and vent. Ultimately, it comes down to the homeowner’s comfort preferences.

Some homeowners may not like heat pumps because they have a lower temperature discharge. Gas burns hotter in furnaces, and you can feel the difference at your registers.