Electrical Noises In Your Home: Should You Be Worried?

If you’re hearing a humming or buzzing noise coming from your home’s electrical system, this could indicate a serious problem. In today’s post, furnace replacement contractor Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC discusses the common causes of household electrical noises and what to do about them. 

Common Causes of Electrical Noises

Noises in your electrical system can be caused by one or more of the following:

Mains hum — Electricity creates frequency vibrations that generate an audible sound. AC (alternating current) lines operating at 60 Hz generate a barely audible hum, while higher-frequency lines can generate a buzzing sound if they operate between 120 and 180 Hz. By themselves, humming or buzzing noises from the mains are barely noticeable, though some audio devices like unshielded radios may amplify them.

Wiring problems — Issues with the wiring can be responsible for electrical noises. Isolating and fixing the issue is best left to electrical and heat pump repair technicians to prevent the risk of electrical shock.

Overloaded circuit breaker — If the noise is coming from the electrical system, it may be conducting too much electricity, or one of the breakers may be faulty. It’s not a good idea to touch a noisy electrical panel, but you can try to isolate which breaker it is by turning off some of the appliances in your home to see which one causes the noise to lessen. While waiting for an electrician, keep that particular appliance unplugged, and don’t plug anything else into that outlet.

Should You Be Worried?

You may not notice it, but everything in your home that has something to do with electricity emits sounds. It’s like street noise — you become so used to it that your ears learn to tune them out. If the electrical noise becomes too loud, then you should find out where it’s coming from and either unplug the appliance that’s causing it or turn it off at the electrical panel.

If the noise is coming from the electrical panel, at least one of the breakers may be causing it. Don’t open the panel or attempt to shut it off, as this presents a high risk of electrical shock. Instead, call a licensed electrician immediately.

Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC  is one of the best HVAC companies serving communities in Fairfield and New Haven counties. Give us a call at (203) 378-4700 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.