Have you fired up the furnace yet this season? If not, you probably will soon. The cold weather is here, and that means you’re going to need more heat. However, if you have detected strange noises coming from your furnace, you may be wondering whether it is safe to use. Keep reading to learn what those sounds coming from your furnace mean, and for all your furnace services and other heating needs, make sure to contact All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical this winter season.
The Top 5 Furnace Sounds to Watch Out For
- Banging: While a banging noise coming from your furnace is obviously going to be alarming, it does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with your furnace. Of course, it doesn’t mean you should ignore that sound either. Oftentimes, this sound can be traced back to dust, reacting with the heating element. It may also be ductwork expanding and contracting as the blower starts. Open your vent and change the filter if this noise persists. If this doesn’t work, call an HVAC technician to take a look, as you may be dealing with a delay in the system’s ignition, which can be a sign of a serious problem like a gas leak (you may also notice a gas smell if this is the case.)
- Screeching: Typically, a screeching noise in your furnace is a sign of a mechanical issue. For instance, something could be wrong with your furnace belt or fan motor. If a squealing or screeching sound persists in your furnace, call a technician. A qualified HVAC tech should be able to get to the root of the issue and take care of it fairly quickly.
- Clicking: Furnace clicking can be a major cause for concern, as it usually means there is something wrong with the system’s ignition. You could be looking at a malfunctioning flame sensor or thermocouple, broken or clogged valve, or a problem between the ignition and gas. Regardless, you should call a professional heating technician ASAP if you hear a clicking sound coming from your furnace. It’s possible the issue can be fixed with a small repair, but ignition problems can also be a sign of a gas leak. If you have an electric furnace rather than a gas unit, meanwhile, you should still call a technician to take a look, but fortunately, you probably don’t have to worry about your system experiencing a gas leak or becoming a fire hazard.
- Chirping: Furnaces sometimes chirp and chatter when you fire them back up after months of lying dormant. More often than not, these sounds go away on their own, though it is still not a bad idea to call a technician. It is possible you are dealing with a fan belt issue, or that your system needs some cleaning and maintenance.
- Rattling: A rattling in your furnace almost always means there is a motor or fan problem. It is possible one of these components has broken down or even become loose. While this may not pose an immediate danger to you, worn-out fans and motors do often require you to replace your entire system.
To schedule furnace service today, call (909) 500-8193, or send us a message online.