Why Is My Toronto House Making That Noise?

October is the month for things that go bump in the night. In Toronto, the bump usually has an ordinary explanation. As nights cool and the furnace or boiler starts up, houses get more talkative, especially the century homes in neighbourhoods like the Annex, Leslieville, and Roncesvalles.

Before tracking down a sound, note when it happens, where it seems to come from, and what else was going on. Those details help you understand the sound and will be useful if you call someone.

Why Toronto Homes Creak and Pop

Wood, plaster, drywall, and fasteners expand and contract with temperature and humidity. A sunny afternoon followed by a cold night makes this more noticeable, and floors creak more as indoor air dries out during heating season. Older homes with original plank floors and plaster walls tend to be louder. New cracks, doors that suddenly stick, or floors that feel soft are worth a professional look.

Banging Radiators and Knocking Pipes

Many older Toronto homes have hot water boilers with radiators. Gurgling or knocking often means trapped air, and bleeding the radiators can help. A loud bang after a washer or dishwasher shuts off is often water hammer, which a plumber can address. Running water when nothing is on deserves attention. Check your water meter with everything off.

Furnace, Heat Pump, and Appliance Sounds

Furnaces click, hum, and whoosh. Ductwork pops as it heats. Heat pumps may whoosh or hiss in defrost mode on cold days. What matters most is change. New grinding, squealing, or loud banging is worth a call to a licensed HVAC technician. If you smell gas, leave and call Enbridge Gas or 911 from outside. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out and call for help.

Wind Whistles and Rattles

Wind off the lake can whistle through gaps around older windows, doors, and attic hatches. Rattling often comes from dryer vent flaps, loose eavestroughs, or branches on the roof. If it's on the roof or out of reach, call a pro.

Raccoons, Squirrels, and Mice

Heavy thumping in the attic or soffit at night often means a raccoon. Squirrels are more active during the day, and mice scurry at night. Look for droppings, chewed material, or openings at the roofline. Ontario has rules about how trapped wildlife must be handled and released, so a licensed wildlife removal company is the right call.

What to Tell the Professional

Describe the sound, where and when you hear it, what else is running, and how long it's been happening. A phone recording helps. "The radiator in the front bedroom bangs every morning when the heat comes on" gives a technician far more to work with than "the heat is loud."

If you'd like a recommendation for a local plumber, heating technician, or wildlife removal company, just ask. We're happy to share names we know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Toronto house creak at night?

Building materials contract as temperatures drop overnight. Older homes with wood floors and plaster are often louder.

Why do my radiators bang or gurgle?

Trapped air is a common cause. Bleeding the radiators often helps.

How do I know if a raccoon is in my attic?

Heavy thumping at night, torn soffits, or damaged vents are common signs.

Can I trap and relocate a raccoon in Ontario?

Ontario has rules on how and where wildlife can be released. A licensed professional will know them.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Leave the home and call Enbridge Gas or 911 from outside.