We respect your inbox. We only send interesting and relevant emails.
October in East Tennessee brings crisp nights and the first runs of the heat pump. Homes in Knoxville, Farragut, Powell, Maryville, and Oak Ridge respond with new sounds, and most have ordinary explanations.
Before tracking one down, note when it happens, where it seems to come from, and what else was going on.
Wood framing and drywall expand on warm afternoons and contract as nights cool. Older homes in neighborhoods like Fourth and Gill or Sequoyah Hills tend to be more talkative. New cracks, sticking doors, or soft floors are worth a professional look.
A bang after the washer shuts off is often water hammer. Running water when nothing is on deserves a meter check. Homes with wells will hear the pump cycle.
Heat pumps are common in East Tennessee. They whoosh and hiss in defrost mode on cold mornings, which is normal. Gas furnaces click and hum. New grinding, squealing, or banging is worth a call. If you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
Fall storms can whistle through gaps around windows and doors and rattle loose gutters and vents. Branches on the roof are common in wooded neighborhoods.
Squirrels are active during the day. Flying squirrels and mice are active at night. Crawlspaces common in the area can shelter rodents. A licensed pest or wildlife professional can help.
Describe the sound, where and when you hear it, and what else is running. "Scratching under the kitchen floor every night" points a pro toward the crawlspace.
If you'd like a recommendation for a local plumber, HVAC technician, or pest professional, just ask. We're happy to share names we know.
Why does my heat pump hiss on cold Knoxville mornings?
It's likely in defrost mode, which is normal.
What's scratching under my floor?
Rodents in the crawlspace are a common cause.
What's in my attic at night?
Flying squirrels and mice are common nighttime culprits.
Why does my house creak in fall?
Framing contracts as nights cool.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
Get in touch. We'll guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth transaction that meets your goals.
We respect your inbox. We only send interesting and relevant emails.
