5 Types Of Loud Noises Furnace Makes
Is your furnace making bizarre noises and you don’t know what to do about it?
Different noises have different meanings, not all noises you hear have to be worried about. The popping sounds that come from ducts are not worrisome. But, the whining or vibrating noises are the sounds that need to be noticed and checked by a professional technician. These sounds can be an indication of some problems in your furnace that should be taken care of. These sounds can be of different kinds:
1. Humming or Buzzing Noise From the Furnace
A buzzing noise coming from a furnace can be due to several reasons.
- Loose parts: If the noise is a mild buzz, it could be due to loose screws, panels, or other parts that vibrate as the furnace runs.
- Blower motor: A loud, persistent buzzing or humming sound could indicate an issue with the blower motor or the fan blades that need to be lubricated, tightened, or replaced.
- Ignition system: If the buzzing or humming sound is accompanied by a clicking noise, it could indicate a problem with the furnace’s ignition system, which might need to be cleaned or repaired.
2. Clicking Noise Coming From Furnace
A clicking noise coming from a furnace can be caused by several reasons:
- Ignition system: A clicking sound could be due to the furnace’s ignition system trying to light the burners. If the burners don’t light, it could indicate a problem with the ignition system that needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Control panel: A clicking sound could also be coming from the control panel due to a malfunctioning switch or relay.
- Loose parts: A clicking sound could be caused by loose screws, panels, or other parts that vibrate as the furnace runs.
3. Banging Noise Coming From the Furnace
A banging noise coming from a furnace can be caused by several reasons:
- Ductwork: A banging sound could be caused by loose or disconnected ductwork that vibrates as air is pushed through it.
- Ignition system: A banging sound could be due to the furnace’s ignition system, which could be improperly sized or positioned, causing the burners to ignite with a bang.
- Blower fan: A banging noise could be due to the blower fan coming into contact with debris or a foreign object.
- Heat exchanger: If the banging sound is accompanied by a hissing or whistling sound, it could indicate a problem with the heat exchanger, which could be cracking or breaking apart.
4. High-pitched squeaking or whistling noise
A high-pitched squeaking or whistling noise coming from a furnace can be caused by several reasons:
- Blower fan: A high-pitched noise could be due to the blower fan or its bearings, which may need to be lubricated or replaced.
- Air ducts: A high-pitched noise could be caused by restricted airflow in the ducts, which could be due to a clogged air filter or dirty ductwork.
- Heat exchanger: A high-pitched noise that sounds like whistling could indicate a problem with the heat exchanger, which could be cracking or breaking apart.
5. Rattling Noise Coming From the Furnace
A rattling noise coming from a furnace can be caused by several reasons:
- Loose parts: A rattling noise could be caused by loose screws, panels, or other parts that vibrate as the furnace runs.
- Ductwork: A rattling noise could be caused by loose or disconnected ductwork that vibrates as air is pushed through it.
- Blower fan: A rattling noise could be due to the blower fan coming into contact with debris or a foreign object.
What to do when you hear these sounds?
It’s important to fix the issue as soon as possible, as a malfunctioning furnace can cause a decrease in energy efficiency and can also be a safety hazard. Loose or disconnected ductwork can also lead to decreased airflow and reduced heating efficiency. Depending upon the problem these steps should be taken.
- Turn off the furnace and allow it to cool down before attempting to diagnose the issue.
- Check for loose parts and tighten them.
- If the issue is with the ductwork, it can be fixed by properly securing or reconnecting the loose ducts.
- Change the air filter to ensure proper airflow.
- If the issue is with the blower fan, it may need to be lubricated or replaced.
- If the problem persists, it is recommended to call a professional and certified technician for further diagnosis and repair.
