Is Your Furnace Making Weird Noises? Common Causes & Solutions
You rely on your furnace to keep you warm all winter long, so it can be concerning if your heater starts acting strangely. If your furnace has started making strange noises, you may wonder what the cause is and if you should be worried. Different sounds coming from your furnace can mean different things. It’s important to know which sounds indicate a minor problem and which noises indicate a bigger issue so you can have the issue addressed right away.
Timely repairs are crucial for a well-functioning and long-lasting furnace. Dominion Service Company is here to explain why your furnace may be making weird noises, what they mean, and how you can fix them.
Contact Dominion Service Company to schedule furnace services in your area.
Why It’s Important To Listen to Your Furnace
If there’s an issue with your heating system, your furnace may make different noises depending on what’s wrong. Recognizing these different sounds can help you identify the potential cause of the issue so you know when it’s time to call a professional. Troubleshooting tips include cleaning or replacing dirty air filters, opening and cleaning your vents, as well as checking your pilot light, but attempting DIY repairs is not recommended. Furnaces are complex systems that require special expertise, so when in doubt, always call a trained HVAC technician for assistance.
Why Is My Furnace Making Banging Sounds?
If you hear a sharp bang when you start your furnace, there could be a delayed gas ignition problem, which should be addressed by a professional immediately. When there’s a delayed ignition, a small gas explosion occurs inside your furnace, as gas can build up in the combustion chamber when the burners don’t ignite on time. If your gas burners aren’t igniting efficiently, you could have a clog or a gas pressure problem.
Intermittent banging throughout your home isn’t as worrisome, as it’s probably just a result of your ductwork adjusting to changes in temperature.
Humming or Buzzing Noises
Low humming while your furnace operates is normal. However, if this hum becomes louder or turns into a loud buzz, you could have an electrical issue on your hands. Electrical can be extremely dangerous to work with without the proper tools and training, so it’s important to call a professional for help. Buzzing can also be caused by loose parts, which can damage other components if left unaddressed.
Clicking Noises at Startup
If you hear clicking noises at startup, there could be a problem with the electric pilot or ignition sequence, both of which should be looked at by a trained technician.
High-Pitched Whistling or Squealing Sounds
Squealing noises tend to indicate an issue with the blower motor, such as a damaged belt. You could also have failing bearings in the motor, which may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional. Discovering and addressing this issue early is an easy fix, but waiting will cause bigger problems to develop. Whistling sounds indicate restricted airflow in the system, potentially caused by a clogged air filter.
Clanging or Scraping Sounds
Clanging or rattling noises are typically a sign of loose components, but persistent rattling could mean you have a cracked heat exchanger, which is a much more serious problem. If you hear scraping, you may have worn-out ball bearings or a loose blower wheel. Turn off your furnace and call a certified professional for assistance.
Call Dominion Today for Fast, Professional Furnace Diagnosis
At Dominion Service Company, our HVAC experts offer comprehensive furnace diagnostic and repair services. We also offer top-quality furnace maintenance services that will help prevent future issues and the need for repairs. Joining our Maintenance Plan gives you priority service, regularly scheduled maintenance visits, and more at a price that won’t break the bank. Our team has the expertise needed to service all brands, and we offer upfront, transparent pricing so you always know what to expect.
Schedule fast, professional furnace repairs with Dominion Service Company today.
