Furnace Making Unusual Sounds? Here’s What They Mean.
When you turn on your heater, you can expect to hear a little bit of noise which tells you its operating. In fact, you may enjoy the sound of your furnace turning on when your home is cold. Yet, if your furnace is making extremely loud or strange noises, it is typically a sign of issues with your unit that need to be repaired.
The following are common furnace noises and the likely reasons for the sounds:
- Scraping noises – If the noise coming from your heater resembles the sound of metal scraping metal, this often means the blower wheel is loose and needs to be tightened right away by a professional technician. If the blower wheel is broken, your unit cannot provide heat throughout your home.
- Screeching noises – This type of noise is often caused by motor bearing issues. A technician can resolve the problem by adding a special lubricant in specific areas. While you may think WD-40 will do the trick, it is actually too lightweight to be applied for this purpose. Furthermore, a bad belt is another common cause of screeching sounds. If the best in not replaced, then the blower can’t run.
- Loud banging or booming noises – If you hear a noise which sounds like a gunshot as soon as you turn on your heater, the cause might be gas build-up in the unit due to dirt collecting on the furnace burners. These small explosions could actually crack the heat exchanger, which can be costly and dangerous. You need to contact a technician immediately to resolve the issue. Additionally, if your home has metal air ducts, turning your heater on and off can cause the ducts to expand and contract. So if you hear a boom or a popping noise, there may be a problem with your ducts that need repair.
- Rattling noises – This type of noise often means a loose component, most likely a screw or panel. You can attempt to repair the issue on your own by turning off the power source and tightening the panel with screwdriver. However, if it’s not a loose screw, it could mean there is a crack or leak in your heat exchanger.
If you notice any of these sounds mentioned above, our Ontario HVAC technician at All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical and resolve the issue for the benefit of your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. However, to keep your furnace running smoothly all year around, it is important to request an annual furnace safety evaluation to prevent experiencing a costly repair and increase the longevity of your heating system.
Contact usfor more information today. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment today.