Loud noises coming from your furnace can be terrifying. Are you going to have to replace it? How much is the damage? Is there an easy fix? All of these questions come rushing into your mind the minute you hear a loud bang. Luckily we’ve got some tips for these weird sounds such as banging, shrieking, whistling, popping, scraping, humming, you name it.
If you hear banging…
If you hear a loud boom or banging noise coming from your furnace, the problem could be a small gas explosion that occurs when there is a delay in ignition. When the gas burners in your furnace won't ignite on time, it can cause build up resulting in these noises. If you notice your gas burners not igniting efficiently, don’t attempt to fix it without a licensed technician. Trying to fix this problem on your own can lead to a dangerous gas leak in your house.
If you hear popping…
Loud popping noises typically occur when your furnace is activated. If this is the case, the problem is coming from inflation in your air ducts. Once the warm air reaches the cold air in your air ducts, the metal will accommodate the change in temperature. Popping noises can also be a sign of contaminated gas burners. As the furnace becomes older, residue will build up on the burners. If the residue isn't removed from the burners each year, gas will start to collect and cause holes in your heat exchanger.
If you hear humming…
Most furnaces make a low humming noise while they are operating. If the humming is becoming louder than usual, this could be a sign that your blower fan or capacitor is having problems. To prevent further damage to your fan, it’s important to set up an appointment with an HVAC professional to inspect and repair the blower motor.
If you hear shrieking…
If you notice a shrieking or high-pitched squealing sound coming from your furnace, this indicates a problem with the motor such as a damaged belt. If you catch the problem early on, there is an easy fix with the right tools and equipment. Although this is an easy problem to fix, it is better to get this solved sooner than later to prevent any bigger issues.
If you hear scraping…
If you hear a scraping noise, it could be a sign of worn out ball bearings. It could also be a sign that the blower wheel has come loose. If you hear this sound, it’s best to turn your furnace off altogether and call a professional.
If you hear whistling…
If you hear a whistling noise, it’s most likely due to your furnace having restricted airflow. Restricted airflow happens from having a clogged air filter. If you haven’t changed your finter in a while, it’s definitely time. Luckily changing an air filter is an easy task and can be done without the need of professional assistance.
It’s always smart to be aware of the sounds your furnace is making. They could be reminders for simple maintenance or signals that your furnace needs professional attention. Letting some of these sounds go on for too long can cause more damage to your furnace. If you need assistance on your furnace call 72 Degrees today at 515-965-7272.
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