Is there an easy way to combat the tapping and clicking sounds that our heated floors make?

Question

At night the tapping sounds are very noticeable (and a lot spookier!)
We have radiant heat under wide-board hardwood floors.

Is there a quick fix or should i just deal with it?

Answer 1

sweep talcum powder or baby powder on the floor into the cracks bettween the boards the problem is the heat and cold makes them swell and rub on each other

Answer 2

Thermal expansion and contraction is the cause of the noise. Uneven heating and cooling causes this. If you can find a heating/ cooling source which evenly distributes throughout the space, the materials will stabilize, Keep the moisture content of the air stable if you can as well. Keep your thermostat at a constant setting. A heating source with built in thermal mass, such as an oil filled radiator is a good choice. Also try to keep direct sunlight from hitting interior surfaces.

Answer 3

I have the same situation. The simplest solution is your last suggestion "deal with it". Just like you get used to the sound of a refrigerator running you can adapt to the sounds of the heating system. Just keep in mind that those sounds are normal, not nuisances and very shortly you will no longer notice them. Think about the people that have forced air furnaces that have blowers that come on frequently, that might help gain a different perspective.

Answer 4

Yes, you can use whats called a sequencer relay. That allows only a portion of the elements to come on at a time and sequence up to full heat which allows for even expansion and rids of the noise due to rapid expanding and contracting.

You will need to rewire the elements to use this sort of a system, however , it is not an expensive fix and well worth it.

Answer 5

Earplugs. Or sleep with the radio on. Sweet dreams!