Noisy Bryant Heat Pump....HELP!!

16 years ago

I bought a Bryant Quiet Whisper HP about ten years ago. I've hated the unit the 1st day I had it installed. Ten years later, after many, many attempts to stiffle the noise..I have been defeated. The blower on the furnace is so loud that I have to turn up the television when it comes on...and this again, is after ten, long brutal years. When the HP kicks on, at night, I feel the rumble of the compressor through my pillow and bedroom walls. (And it's a two story home!!)Again, I've been listening to this rumble for ten long years. I tried contacting Bryant directly after many, many attempts of working through my installer and they were completely uncooperative. In fact after many, many emails to resolve the problem, the Bryant customer service person told me that she would no longer respond to me, and if I wanted to resolve the issue that I would have to seek legal council...They have been the worst, most uncooperative company that I have ever had the displeasure in dealing with.

Anyway the Model of the HP is a FB4ANF048

It's the 4 Ton Quiet Whisper Unit

I live in Western PA. where the winters are pretty cold.

My home is about 2800 Sq Ft

My question is this. What is the best way to fix my noisy HP problem? I paid over $5,000 ten years ago for the whole system. I really don't want to spend another $5,000 to replace it. Can I replace the outside unit with a quieter HP and keep the piping and furnace inside? (I am used to the loud blower fan.)

What is the quiest and most efficient system out there?

And what's the difference between reciprocating and a scroll compressors?

My electric bill is budgeted at around $215 a month.

The Bryant Quiet Whisper is one big piece of crap.

Thanks for reading my rambling, but after 10 years of loud, sleepless misery, and hours and hours of hany-man, Mr. Fix-it noise solutions. I have put padded foundation blocks under the unit, extra padding every where I could put it, I have just about had it. I walk around all day, like a zombie because of my lack of sleep. HELP!!

Can I install a new unit myself and have a certified tech come and fill it full of refrigerant?

What is my least expensive, best way to resolve my noisy problem?

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (6)

vhehn
16 years ago
sounds like the unit is right outside your beedroom window?
did they install isolators between the ah and the plenum?
gjjbmoore
Original Author
16 years ago
I'm not sure what the AH, or the plenum are? I do know what a plenum on a chimney is. The compressor does have a jacket around it. And yes, the HP sets along the chimney which runs up the outside wall of my bedroom. But the bedroom is on the 2nd floor. The headboard sets against the wall towards the HP, so my wife and I are going to move it to the other wall tonight. The night stands won't both fit on the other wall, but one has to make sacrifices in order for some peace and quiet.
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You can add a sound blanket to your compressor (do a web search for "sound blanket"). Unfortunately, I don't think that you will be happy with the degree of sound reduction by adding the sound blanket. The compressor is indeed a source of some of the sound but the fan contributes a great degree of the sound your hearing. In reality as mentioned by another poster you can purchase a new quieter model...this may be more expensive than you think as most likely you may also have to change out the coils or complete air handler inside your home. You can move the existing unit to another location farther away from where you will hear it. This might actually be a decent option depending on local quotes to move it. You will need a new electrical line run to the new location. You will probably need a new line set set installed. You can leave the present drain line where it is. Don't know what rates are in your area but I had my unit moved for just the same reasons last fall at a cost of $700 (including the new electrical line and new line set).
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garyg
16 years ago
You have several different noise issues going on.

The first is the condenser (outside unit) located on the exterior wall under your bedroom. Doesn't matter that you're 2 stories up, you'll hear any condenser outside of your bedroom. This is especially true during the cold winter nights when your heat pump can run all night long.

2nd noise issue is the air handler (indoor unit) fan. It may be a 3-speed motor set on too high of a setting. You could also have a bad motor bearing or unbalanced fan blade causing excessive vibration. Too small ducts will also cause noise problems. Metal ducts conduct more noise than fiber board ducts. These are all potential contributors to your issues.

The installation of your heat pump is most probably the cause of your noise problems, not the heat pump itself.

I would find a few good professional HVAC contractors in your area to look at your system and situation, make recommendations, and get competitive quotes.

Good luck.
gjjbmoore
Original Author
16 years ago
My installer told me before he installed the system that the ducts were installed backwords. The returns were on the outside walls and the heating ducts were on the inside. So I know that he was trying to get as much air flow as he could. The fan is a one speed fan. When it kicks on, it's ON! That's where you here the change in inside room noise level immediately. He mentioned installing a three speed fan. I might look into that again, along with a new outside unit. I just don't know if I will be able to use a different brand HP, with the Bryant inside unit? I hate to spend another $5,000 on another comfort system.
But, thanks for your response.
vhehn
16 years ago
"I'm not sure what the AH, or the plenum are? I do know what a plenum on a chimney is. "
ah is air handeler ie the inside unit. there should be a rubber vibration collar between the ah and the metal ducting. if its missing it will make more noise. some air handlers allow you to change fan speed by switching some wires on the fan motor. maybe it could be slowed down.

it sounds like you biggest complaint is the outside unit right outside your bedroom window. i would not replace it thinking you will be happy. i have a brand new heat punp and if it were right outside my bedroom i would not be happy. never install a heat pump outside your bedroom window. they all make noise.
can you move it? can you build a sound barrier.
dcansdale
16 years ago
you may want to check the crankcase heater to make sure it is working or if you have one at all. Since you live in a cold climate it sounds like liquid refrigerant is migrating and mixing with the oil in the compressor which in return will cause a flooded start. Refrigerant migrates to the coldest spot of the system and if the crankcase heater is not installed or not working it will be a loud noise at startup. If all checks out good with the heater then see if the copper lines are vibrating bad with your hand. If so have a tech install vibration line aborbers on your system. It also could be from an over-charged a/c unit. have you had a certified tech check your pressures?

Noisy Bryant Heat Pump....HELP!!

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Noisy Bryant Heat Pump....HELP!!

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vhehn

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