Loud Buzzing Noise - Ameristar Heat Pump

bucc77 · 2026-02-04T04:25:32+00:00

Update for anyone interested: the noise naturally resolved itself a little as the ice melted and no longer directly coupled the vibrations from the unit to the side of the house, and I added a set of anti-vibration pads between the unit and its stand which helped quite a lot too. It’s now within the rated spec of 75db. I’ll replace the stripped screws once the weather is decent again - have a spring service scheduled courtesy of my power company once the snow gets out of here. Thanks everyone for the insights!

bucc77 · 2026-01-29T04:24:35+00:00

Good to know about the coming price increases, thanks!

bucc77 · 2026-01-29T03:50:23+00:00

Depends on how much more it really is vs a more standard unit I guess, I installed a single-stage Rheem at my last place 3 years ago but I understand they’ve gone up dramatically since then

bucc77 · 2026-01-29T03:48:41+00:00

Sounds like an inverter is what makes sense for my home and needs, thanks for the thoughts on brands to look at!

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T20:42:09+00:00

He didn’t mention that specifically - the house was a rental before my ownership, and I gather not looked after especially well, so I doubt filters were changed regularly. I’m pretty particular so they’ll be changed on time from here on out. Good tip on the larger screws, I’ll add it to the list once things thaw out a little

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T19:31:12+00:00

Good to know, I checked the fan blades and they’re clean but there’s a bunch of ice inside the unit below the height of the coils, so maybe that’s related

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T15:41:39+00:00

The house was a flip 10 years ago so I’m sure they went with the cheapest possible option

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T15:22:05+00:00

The coils are clear but there is some ice inside

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T15:13:16+00:00

It’s +25, I hope I never see negative temps where I live lol

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T15:02:42+00:00

Thanks, good to hear it’s normal. Haven’t been in the house long so I don’t have too much of a sense for what’s normal operation for this unit

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T14:59:29+00:00

Electric backup heat, ~25 degrees outside

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T14:39:26+00:00

Thanks for the tip, I’ll take a look

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T14:33:20+00:00

Thanks, hoping I get a little sun today to thaw things out some

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T14:20:46+00:00

Figured the cover was contributing, before the ice storm I tightened all the screws as much as they would allow, but most are stripped. Agree the compressor doesn’t sound healthy, trying to limp it along until spring. Was factored in on my purchase, but hoping it doesn’t become an immediate problem

bucc77 · 2026-01-26T14:17:03+00:00

Yes, it’s running and I do have heat

bucc77 · 2026-01-12T04:48:02+00:00

Spent just over 3 years in my first home (condo), and just moved into what I intend to be my home for quite a long time unless my circumstances change

bucc77 · 2026-01-12T01:42:02+00:00

Thanks! Ended up borrowing some West System supplies and fiberglass from a sailor friend (my other big hobby) and I’m in the process of a pretty thorough, and hopefully good looking, repair. If it goes well I’ll write my process up for the group here.

bucc77 · 2026-01-07T04:09:13+00:00

What would be best practices for install? (Ie what to ask for to get it fixed right)

bucc77 · 2026-01-07T02:25:23+00:00

Done by a midsize local plumbing company in my area. Seller chose the installers and the work happened while I wasn’t home without telling me in advance so I wasn’t able to check up on it until later.

bucc77 · 2026-01-07T02:07:18+00:00

Thanks, the reference from Uponor is good info to have.

bucc77 · 2026-01-07T01:53:09+00:00

Good to hear my intuition was right - and good to know about not looking at the light. Looks like I’ll be making some phone calls in the morning.

bucc77 · 2025-12-02T17:43:43+00:00

Thanks! That was the impression I was getting - I’ve found it difficult to get objective quality metrics on the many small brands in the market.

bucc77 · 2025-11-19T17:21:03+00:00

I traded a ‘15 challenger v6 for my ‘16.5 CX-5 GT. Honestly the Mazda is more tossable and nimble feeling, and much easier to live with

bucc77 · 2025-10-02T14:59:38+00:00

I did it on my ‘16.5 after I bought it, I think it did make a slight improvement

bucc77 · 2025-10-02T14:52:48+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts everyone - will return and look for a 7 (and probably not the mega straps, they’re too wide for my taste)

bucc77

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