Most furnaces produce a low-humming sound while in operation. However, if yours is noticeably louder than usual, or you start hearing a completely different noise, be sure to get in touch with a local residential and commercial HVAC technician. A thorough inspection can help determine an issue within the system, allowing the professional to address it sooner. The longer the delay, the more the problem will persist, which may compromise the furnace and affect your home’s indoor comfort and air quality.
In this blog post, EZ Air Conditioning and Heating takes a look at the different furnace noises and the meaning behind each one.
Noise #1: Popping
A sudden, loud pop coming from a furnace is usually an indication of airflow issues, such as the filter being clogged or dirty or the ductwork being too small and constricting the airflow. Make sure to check your filter for any dust and dirt buildup and clean or replace it promptly. Also, have your local technician inspect the ductwork for any blockages or constrictions that could be preventing proper airflow.
Popping noises from your furnace could also indicate ignition problems due to improper gas pressure in your furnace. If not addressed right away, this can pose a serious hazard. A thorough inspection by a professional HVAC technician should help detect the source of the ignition problem.
Noise #2: Squealing
Squealing noises coming from your furnace are more than just annoying; they could also mean a problem that needs immediate attention. It is usually indicative of a loose component inside the system or a lack of lubrication among the moving parts, particularly the blower motor.
As long as you keep up with scheduled maintenance, your furnace won’t be at risk of losing efficiency. Your HVAC and VRF systems technician will make sure that the moving parts are well-lubricated, including the blower motor. Also, they will check if the accompanying drive belt is about to come loose. They may either adjust it back into place or replace it entirely, ensuring that the fan inside doesn’t stop working all of a sudden while the furnace is running.
Noise #3: Grinding
A loud grinding noise could mean the blower wheel has been misaligned and starts hitting the house casing repeatedly. It is also a sign the ball bearings have worn out significantly. This sound is enough for you to turn the furnace off and have a technician come over your house for an immediate inspection.
Noise #4: Rattling
The good news is that this type of furnace noise is not something to worry about, considering the problems associated with it — loose fittings — can be fixed easily. In fact, it is not uncommon to have loose components inside, especially if the unit is being used constantly over the cold months. Your HVAC technician can tighten the nuts and bolts of the panels and other working parts to stop the annoying noises. Greasing the blower fan and motor may also be necessary to minimize the rattling.
Noise #5: Whistling
Whistling noises from a furnace are rather peculiar when you think about it, especially since the unit is supposed to produce a low-humming sound while running. Unfortunately, it can be caused by a few issues, one of which involves the ductwork. There might be a gap along the ducts near the furnace, particularly the one close to the blower. It must be sealed properly to check if the whistling ceases.
Sometimes, the whistling noises stem from dirty furnace filters. Removing the filter and cleaning it should help reduce the noise. However, if it has excess dirt and dust accumulation, you’d be better off changing it with a new one. This way, the fan sucks air into the system through the filter, and not from anywhere, which causes the furnace to produce whistling noises.
How to Deal With a Loud Furnace
A bit of troubleshooting goes a long way in minimizing the noise coming from your furnace. You can check the access panel of the furnace, making sure all the screws and fittings are tight and secured. If it’s been a long time since your last filter change, now is the time to do so. How frequently you do this simple home maintenance task is dependent on a few factors, including the number of people in your household with respiratory problems and the number of pets living in your home.
Still, the best course of action when dealing with a loud furnace is to have an HVAC technician inspect it. This is to ensure not only the system’s continued performance but also your safety. The appliance, after all, is filled with electrical components, and trying to fix the issue (or even detect the source of the noise) without prior knowledge can be dangerous.
Other Furnace Issues You Shouldn’t Disregard
In addition to the noises mentioned above, there are other common HVAC issues that you should keep an eye out for. These can include:
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Strange odors coming from your vents
- Short cycling (when the system turns on and off too quickly)
If you encounter any of these problems, never hesitate to get in touch with the experts. At EZ Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide top-notch repair and maintenance services so you and your family continue to feel comfortable in the winter months and beyond. We recommend routine maintenance for all HVAC systems and offer three tiers of maintenance plans to fit your needs.
We are also a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, which allows us to install high-quality heating and cooling systems known for their exceptional and energy-efficient performance. Our fully licensed specialists remain current with and draw from the latest industry innovations. If we find that your furnace is nearing the end of its life span, you can count on our team to help you pick the best system for your needs. From straightforward heating to the cost-effective luxury of Greenspeed Intelligence, EZ Air Conditioning and Heating ensures unmatched satisfaction when we install your new furnace, heat pump or other home heating system.
Our team also specializes in other home HVAC services, including duct cleaning, attic insulation, and home automation. To learn more, give us a call at (210) 429-9186 today, or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.
