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Heating & Air Conditioning

Any Solution for Noisy Heat Pump?

12 years ago

I recently moved into a ranch style house that unfortunately has the outdoor heat pump located in rear-middle of the house. This location is not only close to the master bedroom windows, but its also right next to the outdoor patio. Is it possible that servicing the heat pump would help? Alternatively, could it be moved to the side of the house? It is a Bryant model, approximately 8 years old. Thanks.

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Comments (5)

tigerdunes
12 years ago
rdonchez

post mdl number of outside condenser.

does it have sound blanket for compressor?

Post back.

IMO
rdonchez
Original Author
12 years ago
The outdoor unit is a Byrant Quantum Plus model with Puron. I will have to get the exact model number when I return home. I do not know if it has a sound blanket? I did not install the heat pump, but rather inherited it with a new house. Is there anyway for me to tell?
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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.
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Thanks for the advice. I'm still not sure what caused the humidity level to drop that low. The thermostat controller was set for 40%, but maybe the window saving feature dialed that down without telling me because the outdoor temperature recently had a severe drop? I've raised the windows protection setting to the max since, and it's back up to 34% now. We had our HVAC company's Energy Auditor / Sales person out last week with a proposal for the new house, and he said that there's something wrong with the pump and they'll replace it for us (provided we buy our new HVAC system from them, of course). It's just disappointing that the service tech comes and says, "Yeah, that's normal, it's supposed to make that sound all the time. That'll be $90", and it takes getting a sales guy out and the prospect of new business for them to say, "Yeah, it shouldn't do that. It needs to be replaced." I mean, what's the point in spending $10K on a high-end, ultra-quiet HVAC system when it's undone by the noise from a $70 pump?
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Tesla Powerwall is a bit different as it uses batteries made with Lithium, however the base model will at best give you only a few hours of run time. Costs $5,500 of which doesn't include installation costs, taxes, fees, permits etc. Tesla Powerwall For that 'maintenance free' solution you will most likely be forced to replace the powerwall every 10 years, maybe less than that as if your system loses capacity leaving you in the dark your choices will be few. So to do some rough math to be possibly free of the electric grid... let's say you can depend on 12 hours of full sun everyday. (of which we know is not possible) So you would need a battery system to deliver the other 12 hours of power. Lets say the base pack works for 2 hours. So you would need 6 times this amount. 5500 X 6 = $33,000! This doesn't include installation, fees no solar panels etc. to make matters worse you spend this every 10 years or less. ( nothing is free --- if you don't spend it on maintenance you spend it in dollars.) For comparison: Your power usage at 1500 kwh's per month at $0.21 per KWH is $315 x 12 = 3780.00 x 10 years is 37800.00 from the grid cost. Just realize solar array prices were not included in above powerwall costs. I believe by the time you figure installation costs for the powerwall, it would be cheaper to just remain on the grid. This is why battery backup is only used for power critical uses. The cost doesn't justify the means.
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neohioheatpump
12 years ago
Different models range in noise greatly. It sounds like you have a newer model that is simply noisy (probably a lower end model without sound-blanket).

I've never heard of adding a sounds blanket aftermarket but it might be possible if you call different hvac providers and ask.

Moving the unitcan be expensive or very difficult to not even possible.

If it had a sound blanket you would be able to see like a padding around the compressor inside the unit.

They make some newer heatpumps that are very quiet.

My unit is about 8-10 feet from edge of patio, its no problem at all since its so quiet (even when sitting on the patio).

However I will say when it heating mode it makes a slight low octive range hum that can be heard from some rooms in the house.

If the noise is a big issue you might have to change your unit.
roadking
12 years ago
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).
brickeyee
12 years ago
You can also check the unit to see if there are any loose panels vibrating, or even flexing (think drum-head style) increasing noise.

Failed rubber isolation mounts for the compressor can also make them a lot noisier.

you can test for vibrating panels by simply pressing on them with your hand when the unit is operating.
You will feel them vibrate and often can even change the volume and tone of the noise with slight hand pressure.

Vibrating fan blades can also be a significant noise source (stay clear of the fan blades though, your skin is no match for the sharp edges of a spinning fan blade).

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