In the winter, your furnace should be a source of warm, soothing heat. However, occasionally, you may notice strange noises coming from your home’s heating system. Some noises may not be dangerous, but others might be symptomatic of serious problems.
Let’s look at eight potential causes of strange sounds coming from your furnace, such as loose components or worn-out bearings, and explain why fixing these problems quickly for a better and quieter heating system is essential.
1. Loose or Misaligned Parts
When the furnace is on, you may hear rattling or banging sounds caused by belts, screws, or panels that are not properly attached or aligned. If anything isn’t where it should be and is instead vibrating while the furnace is running, you’ll likely hear these noises.
An expert technician can check the furnace for misaligned or loose components and fix or tighten them as necessary. Preventing such complications is also possible with regular maintenance.
2. Worn-Out Bearings
A furnace sometimes makes squeaking or screaming sounds if its blower motor’s bearings wear out or other moving components malfunction. This noise results from the increased friction caused by the worn bearings.
You should contact a licensed and experienced HVAC technician to replace the worn-out bearings. Lubrication applied during routine maintenance might increase the bearings’ remaining life.
3. Dirty Burner
A dirty burner can cause a rumbling or banging noise as it struggles to ignite properly. The dirt or debris interferes with combustion, leading to uneven burning and potentially disruptive sounds.
Clean the burner, but don’t try cleaning it yourself. Instead, to keep yourself safe and ensure the burner gets cleaned effectively, it’s best to have a professional technician do the cleaning for you.
4. Ignition Issues
Issues with the ignition system, such as delayed or repeated ignition attempts, can result in clicking or popping noises. This may indicate that the ignition process is not smooth or that there are interruptions.
Professional technicians can inspect and troubleshoot the ignition system to identify and address any issues. It’s essential to address ignition issues early to avoid further trouble.
5. Clogged Filter
When the filter is dirty, the airflow becomes restricted, which puts more strain on the furnace. You may hear a whistling or whooshing noise because the air is fighting to get past the narrow filter.
To fix this, you must clean or replace the air filter often. Replacing the air filter is usually simple. If you don’t feel comfortable replacing it yourself, you’ll need to contact a professional HVAC technician. The technician can show you exactly how to change the filter, which is very important because most filters require changing at least once every three to six months.
6. Gas Valve Problems
When gas escapes from a partly closed gas valve, it might make a hissing or whistling sound. Fixing this problem immediately is crucial since it can endanger people’s safety. A broken gas valve can lead to gas leaks, exposing occupants to the dangers of fire, explosions, and health hazards.
Repairing faulty gas valves requires the expertise of a licensed technician. They can ensure everything is working correctly by checking the gas supply and adjusting the valve.
7. Cracked Heat Exchanger
As it expands and contracts during heating cycles, a heat exchanger with cracks might make popping or clicking sounds. Given the gravity of the situation, prompt action is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety. A cracked heat exchanger can release harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, endangering occupants with the risk of poisoning and health complications.
Homeowners should immediately turn off the furnace and contact a professional since a broken heat exchanger is dangerous. The technician can determine the damage to the heat exchanger and advise whether you need to replace or repair the part.
8. Blower Motor Issues
The blower motor might make various sounds, including buzzing, rattling, or humming, if its capacitor isn’t working properly or if its bearings have worn out. These noises indicate that the motor isn’t working correctly.
Have a skilled expert look at the blower motor, pinpoint the exact issue, and fix or replace it. Avoiding these problems is possible with regular maintenance.
Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is here to help with your furnace repair and maintenance needs in American Fork, UT. We also offer various cooling and plumbing services and sheet metal fabrication. Call us today to learn more.
