noisy baseboards

Larry (from OSHA)

Greetings JM

I am only a homeowner, but I have baseboards and I believe your noise is the somewhat normal expansion sounds that frequently occur with baseboards. What is most likely happening is that your pipes are in contact with your floor and joists. When the system comes on, hot water causes the pipes to expand and actually grow. If the holes where the pipes go through are a little snug, the pipes bind and eventually creak their way up, down, or sideways to get comfortable. It is fairly common with a baseboard system. Other noises you might hear are ticking sounds which is also expansion related. The fins are also growing and getting comfortable with the pipes that they surround. There are some control stratagies that minimize the expansion/contraction of the system piping that also improve comfort, such as constant circulation and outdoor reset. If you are new to your house and heating system, it may be worth it to have a heating pro who understands systems like yours come out and check it and give you some education. Good luck and keep us posted on how you make out.

Larry

JM_5

noisy baseboards

what can I do to quiet down my baseboards? it's only the upstairs ones. it's like a mini version of water hammer, sometimes it sounds like the baseboard wants to explode. no vents on any of them either.just alot of cracking sounds. any ideas?