6 Noises Your Furnace Makes That You Shouldn’t Ignore

Wouldn’t it be neat if our household appliances and items could speak to us at times? At least that way, we won’t have to figure out what’s wrong and what we need to do to fix it. As crazy as the idea may be, it might not actually be that farfetched.

So they don’t really talk the way they would on a children’s program. But sometimes, your furnace can communicate with you through the noises they make. Of course, they’re not sentient beings, but these noises that come from your furnace may be telling you that something is wrong. So, it’s important to watch out for these noises as they may be signs of a bigger problem.

1. A Loud Pop or Bang

When you hear a loud pop or bang from machinery, you just know something is wrong. And the furnace is no exception. 

Popping or banging may indicate a dirty furnace. When the furnace burners are dirty, there may be an ignition delay that can result in the gas building up. This gas build-up is what causes the loud noises you hear. 

If this issue remains unresolved, it may result in the heater exchange cracking or even cause a small explosion. Unfortunately, replacing this part of the furnace would be quite costly. So, it’s best to have regular servicing done to prevent the issue.

2. Metal Hitting Metal

If you hear the sound of metal hitting metal, this may signify that the blower wheel has come loose from the shaft. When it’s loosened, it will end up hitting the blower housing, resulting in the noise you hear.

If this happens, it’s crucial to turn the furnace off as soon as you can. You should also call a professional to deal with the issue. If they have found that the motor mount is broken, you will need to replace it.

3. Rattling Noises

Ducts that have come loose may result in some rattling noises. If you can access the duct, you can perform some DIY furnace repair by tightening loose screws or duct taping them together. 

4. Loud Humming

While humming noises are normal in a furnace, unusual loudness can be a warning sign. This may indicate a problem with the fan or capacitor. If the humming continues to be louder than it usually is, you should probably call a professional to inspect the unit.

5. Clicking

A faulty thermostat can cause annoying clicking sounds. To fix this problem, you can try changing out the batteries. You can also examine the wires to see if they are disconnected or frayed. If the problem is in the wires, it’s best to only proceed if you are certain you know what you are doing. But to keep things safe, it would be better to call a specialist for furnace repair. 

6. High-Pitched Whining

When the shaft bearings don’t have enough oil, it can result in a high-pitched whining noise. The culprit could also be a frayed or loose blower belt that needs adjusting or replacement. 

If you hear this noise coming from your furnace, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose the problem. Upon inspection, there is a possibility you would need to replace the blower motor.

Final Thoughts

Unusual noises can be indicators of a problem in your furnace. If you hear anything out of the ordinary coming from your furnace, it’s best to contact a specialist to deal with the problem accordingly.

Fix your furnace problems with the help of Legacy Heating. We specialize in HVAC systems for residential new home construction (RNC) in Edmonton and offer services such as furnace repair, replacement, and installation. We are also equipped to handle air conditioners, air cleaners, thermostats, humidifiers, heat recovery ventilation (HRV) units, humidifiers, and unit heaters, as well as other HVAC products! Get a quote now!