Why is my heater making a hissing sound?

Author: Dr. Deonte Durgan DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

MY FURNACE IS MAKING A HISSING NOISE If you're hearing a hiss, you're likely hearing escaping air. This could be caused by an improperly installed air filter, or one that is the wrong size. Often having too many closed vents, or having furniture blocking air flow can be the cause of a hissing sound.

How do I stop my heater from hissing?

Most radiators should be bled every year or so. Sometimes, the bleed valve will loosen itself, or someone might not have shut it tightly enough the last time they used it. Bleeding the radiator and closing the valve tightly should stop the hiss.

Why is my heater making a hissing noise?

Your radiator heater may be hissing air for about 30 minutes due to air trapped in the system. This is a common occurrence when air gets trapped inside the radiator or pipes. The hissing sound should subside as the air is purged from the system and replaced by water.

Why is my heater core making a hissing noise?

Weird hissing sounds are caused by low pressure of cooling agent in system, and it is too low because something (like some connection o-ring seal) in system is leaking. Faulty seals must be detected and fixed, and then system re-filled. Another option, unplug conditioner pump connection and disable this system forever.

Is it okay if my heater makes noise?

Any odd noise coming from a furnace, boiler, or heat pump could mean something in the system has malfunctioned and is in need of repair. While low humming sound is typical when heating systems operate, any sound that is not common coming from the furnace or heat pump could mean a problem is present.

Is Your TANK Water Heater Making These SOUNDS

When should I worry about my furnace noise?

Loud Bangs, Rumbles, Knocks, or Booms

Loud noises like this are a sign of a build of gas in a furnace. The noise you hear can mean your heat exchanger is at risk of cracking. Even worse, it's a sign that something dangerous could happen if you continue to use your heater.

Why is my heater making a whistling noise?

The whistling is caused by air being forced through small gaps and crevices around the door and into the return vent. This causes a pressure difference between the room with the closed door and the central area, which creates a vacuum that further increases airflow velocity and results in a whistle-like sound.

Why is my radiator heater making a hissing sound?

A hissing or whistling radiator is caused by too much air leaving your radiator and you might need to replace the air vent. Replacement air vents can often be found at your local hardware store at an affordable price, but be sure to consult with a heating engineer before purchasing them.

What does a failing heater core sound like?

Hissing Sound From Heater Core

Either way, if you can hear a hissing sound from the heater core then it's a problem that will need rectifying as soon as possible. Make sure you act quickly to prevent significant long-term damage being done to the engine.

Why is my heater making sizzling noises?

Condensation may cause sizzling and popping noises within the burner area during heating periods. Water hammer noises due to high water pressure in the home's plumbing system can result in leaking water heaters, banging water pipes and excessive wear on appliances.

How do I stop hissing noise?

When recording, you can eliminate the noise by removing noise sources such as a fan or a computer. You can also reduce the hissing sound by placing the microphone closer to the subject. Another way to eliminate hissing noise is to turn off the auto-gain settings in the camera.

Why is my space heater making a hissing sound?

The air filter is clogged: If the air filter for your heater is clogged, it may lead to the sound of hissing. What you are hearing is the sound of air forcing its way through a multitude of dust and debris. This is the easiest issue to deal with. Just make sure to change your filter every few months!

Why do I hear a hissing sound?

Tinnitus is one possible reason, but there are also myriad other causes of a hissing sound. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, reactions to medications, and injuries to the head and neck can also prompt a hissing noise or cause the perception of this sound.

Why does my heater make a hissing sound?

MY FURNACE IS MAKING A HISSING NOISE

If you're hearing a hiss, you're likely hearing escaping air. This could be caused by an improperly installed air filter, or one that is the wrong size. Often having too many closed vents, or having furniture blocking air flow can be the cause of a hissing sound.

How do I get air out of my heater?

What do you do?
  1. Put all radiators on their highest setting. ...
  2. Switch the central heating off. ...
  3. Go to the radiator that is closest to the boiler. ...
  4. Place the screwdriver or radiator key on the bleed tap and turn anti-clockwise until water comes out instead of air. ...
  5. Close the bleed tap again.

Is a hissing radiator normal?

When a hissing sound comes from your radiator, you can bet that air is escaping from the system. In most cases, you'll just need to replace the air vent – routine maintenance that should be done every decade or so.

What is the first symptom of a failed heater core?

One of the most common signs is a lack of heat coming from the heater. If you turn on the system and don't feel any warmth, it's possible that the heater core is not functioning properly.

What does it cost to replace a heater core?

Total Cost of a Heater Core Replacement

There's no way to put an exact number on the cost of this repair with such wide variability in price, labor times, and shop labor rates. If your heater core needs to be replaced, you should plan on, at the bare minimum, $800-$1000.

How do you unclog a heater core?

Now, here's how to perform a heater core flush:
  1. Step 1: Locate the Heater Core. ...
  2. Step 2: Disconnect the Heater Hoses. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply the Pressure. ...
  4. Step 4: Hit it with the Hose. ...
  5. Step 5: Reconnect the Heater Hoses. ...
  6. Step 5a: Flush your entire cooling system with Thoro-Flush. ...
  7. Step 6: Refill the Coolant.

Why is my radiator hissing at night?

Radiators move hot water or steam, so they may hiss from time to time. A stuck or clogged air vent can cause a hissing sound. Radiator leaks may lead to hissing noises. You may need to bleed the radiator to fix the hissing.

Is it bad if my water heater is hissing?

If you're hearing frequent hissing and seeing moisture on or around your water heater tank, it is a sign of an internal tank leak. As we mentioned earlier, excessive sediment buildup can cause tears and leaks in your tank, wasting a substantial amount of water (and money).

Is it normal for a radiator heater to make noise?

Clicking and creaking noises are the most common noise a radiator or heated towel rail will make and this is actually pretty normal. It's most likely that this is caused by expansion of the metal after a rush of hot water flows into it.

Why is my heater making a weird noise?

There could be a few reasons why heaters make this sound, like dirty burners that need cleaning, or an excessive amount of gas inside the chambers. If you hear a banging or popping sound when the heater shuts off, it could mean your ductwork is contracting as the metal cools down.

Why is my heating making a high-pitched noise?

A build-up of debris and limescale is a common cause, particularly in hard water areas. If you notice a build-up of limescale in your kettle, the same could be happening in your boiler. This build-up causes the flow of water in your boiler and heat exchanger to be restricted, leading to a high-pitched whistling noise.

How do I stop my heater from making noise?

Luckily, there's an easy fix to eliminate the sound or at least make it less noticeable. The noise is essentially caused by the heating element being installed on a wall that is warped or slightly uneven. To fix it, just readjust a few screws so the unit fits snugly against the wall without pinching the element.

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