Finding the source of the low humming noise in house

Tip

Trying to local the exact local of an electrical humming noise can be challenging. One helpful tip is to use something that can amplify your hearing, such as using a rolled piece of paper or picking up a cheap stethoscope from the drug store. Using either of these will help you discover the area the hum is coming from.

1 - Check appliances and electronics in your home. 

Checking appliances is a simple step to see if it resolves the problem. Some electrical humming noises are caused by appliances that are on and in use as well as appliances that are turned off but may still be plugged in. To test if this is the case, unplug electronics one by one in the area the humming noise is coming from. If you notice the humming noise or buzzing noise stop, identify which appliance caused the issue and have it repaired or removed. If unplugging electronics doesn't stop the buzzing sound, continue on to the next step.

2 - Inspect outlets 

The next step is to check the outlets in your home. If an outlet is damaged, it can cause humming or buzzing sounds. To inspect an outlet, first ensure there is no power running. Once you have confirmed it is safe, take a look at the faceplate and screws to see if they are loose. If the faceplate is loose, tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Next, check to see if the outlet itself is cracked or broken. If it is, you will need to replace the entire outlet. Additionally, the electrical wires may have a loose connection to your outlet. While your power is off to your home, check to ensure the electrical wire connections are secure on your outlet.

3 - Check lightbulbs 

Another common issue that causes humming is a loose or damaged lightbulb. To check if the electrical noise is caused by a bulb, unscrew the lightbulb in question and inspect it for damage. If the filament is broken or there is visible damage, you will need to replace the bulb. If the bulb looks fine, screw it back in and check to see if the humming noise has stopped.

Identifying and fixing wiring issues

If you have checked all of the appliances, lightbulbs, and outlets in your home and you still can here a humming noise, it is likely an issue with your home's wiring. Wiring problems are more complex than appliance or outlet issues, so we recommend calling an electrician to help diagnose and fix the problem.

If you want to try and narrow down the source of the humming sound, you can turn off all circuit breakers to your house. Then, one by one, turn each circuit breaker on and check to see if the noise returns. If it does, you know the buzzing sound is coming from that circuit. Once you have identified the circuit, you can call an electrician to help fix the wiring issue.

Fix Electrical Buzzing Sound

Do you have a buzzing sound coming from your wall? B Town Electric is here to help! We are experts in electrical wiring in Western Massachusetts and can help you identify and fix the source of the humming noise. Our professional electricians will work quickly and efficiently to get your home back to humming along smoothly - pun intended!

If you're in the Western Massachusetts area and are having electrical issues, give us a call today at 413-213-0770 or contact us online. We look forward to helping you!