Noisy Condo HVAC System? Toronto Condo Owners Question

We receive frequent service calls for Noisy HVAC Systems in condo buildings. These noises are usually described as Sharp, Banging, Rattling, Clicking, or Ticking Sounds. We understand your concern with the Noise In Your Condo, which creates discomfort throughout your day. Therefore, I would like to elaborate on this issue in the article to understand our audience better.

To get started, I’d like to leave a disclaimer here for our readers. Every condo uses a unique Heating and Air Conditioning System. These issues can vary from one condo to another. For the sake of this article, we cannot fully describe all the problems here because you would need a Licensed Condo HVAC Technician to inspect your system before coming to a full conclusion.

Here are five (5) common noise sounds described by our clients

  1. The noise starts as soon as I turn on my thermostat.
  2. A rattling noise happens continuously when the fan starts blowing air
  3. The noise comes on and off. I mostly hear The noise during nighttime
  4. My HVAC system makes noise even when the unit is off.
  5. I had no problem with my HVAC system in the Summer, but now I hear a noise behind the walls in my condo.

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Common Problem 1: The Noise Starts As Soon As I Turn On My Thermostat 

If you use a Fan Coil System in your condo, your actuator, 3-way valve or cartridge may be stuck in a close position and cause noise when the thermostat calls for cooling or heating. These valves allow hot or cold water through your fan coil system. The noise is often described as a constant sharp or banging noise in the condo. 

Common Problem 2: A Rattling Noise Happens Continuously When The Fan Starts Blowing Air

Typically, this noise is related to your Blower fan motor assembly. One common cause is wear and tear on the motor bearings, which can lead to a grinding or whirring sound. Another reason could be excessive vibration causing the buzzing noise. In some cases, loose screws or other components within the motor or fan assembly can also cause rattling or clicking sounds. This issue can be resolved by replacing the blower fan motor or housing. 

Common Problem 3: The Noise Comes On & Off

If you are using a heat pump system in your condo, it is normal for the compressor to have a clicking sound when it turns off and as soon as it hits the desired temperature. The compressor is an engine for your HVAC system. The heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to provide heating and air conditioning in your space. Heat Pump compressors often start making a rattling or vibration noise due to internal mechanical malfunction. Compressor excessive noise could indicate inefficiency, low refrigerant or electrical malfunction. This noise may not be repairable due to the high costs of replacing a compressor. Please have a licensed mechanic inspect your heat pump to find out about the root cause of the noise before replacing the chassis or compressor. 

Common Problem 4: There Is a Noise In My HVAC System Even When The System is off. I Mostly Hear Noise During the Nighttime

Although many people think that this may be from the HVAC system in your condo, we found out that this could be due to an air trap in the plumbing system of your condo.

Air trapped in a plumbing system in an apartment can cause noise. This is because when water flows through pipes, it can create vibrations that are transmitted through the pipe walls and into the surrounding air. Typically, these vibrations are dampened by water in the lines, but if the air becomes trapped in the system, the vibrations can become amplified and create noise.

One typical example is the sound of water hammer, which occurs when water is rapidly shut off, and the resulting pressure wave causes the pipes to vibrate and bang against each other or against nearby surfaces. Air trapped in the plumbing system can exacerbate this effect and make the noise louder and more persistent.

Common Problem 5:  I Had No Problem With My HVAC System In Summer, But Now I Hear Noise From My Condo Heater Behind The Walls. 

There are two types of fan coil systems in Toronto. 2 Pipe and four-pipe fan coil systems. 4 Pipe fan coil system uses two actuators. In simpler words, one actuator valve is responsible for the heating section of the fan coil, and the second actuator controls the air conditioning compartment of your system. Therefore, you could hear an unpleasant noise in wintertime when there is no noise in the summertime. Replacing the heating side actuator eliminates the clicking sound in your condo.

Importance of Semi-Annual HVAC Maintenance

By scheduling Semi-annual HVAC Maintenance, you avoid potential problems before they happen. Our experienced Condo HVAC Experts will thoroughly check your system’s components and parts to ensure they operate as they should and will continue to do so in the future.

We have working experience with different HVAC equipment and systems in condos. Therefore, you can rely on us to help you identify potential issues that require immediate action rather than you having to deal with any future surprises.

Is My Condo HVAC System Still Under Warranty?

High Rise Developer and New Construction Condos only provide a 2 Year Comprehensive Warranty through Trion. Tarion is a non-profit, private corporation established in 1976 to protect the rights of new home buyers and regulate new home buyers and builders. According to the terms of the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act (the “Act”), If your condo is over two years old, you’re most likely not eligible for this warranty.

Ensure you carefully read your condo’s bylaws before purchasing a new condo to understand what would be covered. Most property management does not deal with condo HVAC issues. Hence, the individual owner is responsible for dealing with Sudden Heating & Air Conditioning repairs or breakdowns in your condo.

Let Experts Service Your Condo HVAC System

Home Trade Standards’ designated team specializes in High Rise Condominium HVAC Services in Toronto and GTA core areas.  

We are Experts in All Condo HVAC Units such as Fan Coil, Heat Pump, Magic-Pak and PTAC Heating & Air Conditioning Systems you currently use. 

Here Is What Our Clients Call Us For:

  • In-Suite Condominium Heating & Air Conditioning Repair Services
  • Condo HVAC Troubleshooting & Part Replacement
  • Condo HVAC Retrofit & Upgrade
  • Condo HVAC Removal & Installation
  • Condo Annual HVAC Maintenance
  • Condo HVAC Inspection & Report
  • Condo HVAC Services For High Rise Mechanical Systems
  • Condo Building Chiller and Boiler Services 

Call Us Now at (416) 736-7001 to Speak With a Live Agent.

Click Here To Book an Online Appointment.

Get a Free Quote Now!

 

We have helped hundreds of clients, including Condominium Corporations, LandlordsTenants & Property Managers, who contact us from one season to another as part of our ongoing practices. We fully Guarantee Our Services for 1 Year For all Small & Big Projects. 

Currently, we offer a Comprehensive HVAC Maintenance Program to all Residential, Commercial & Industrial High Rise Buildings In Toronto & GTA Area. Our Technicians are Trained, Licensed & Insured to provide Annual Condo Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance Services.

 

Are You Looking to Replace Your Heating or Air Conditioner?

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