Do You Hear That? 6 Strange Furnace Sounds and What They Mean

Although you may hear a gentle whir when your heating system is operating, you shouldn’t be continuously aware that it’s running. Loud, persistent, or uncommon noises that come from your Wellington, Florida, furnace, could be key indicators of trouble. The sooner you address these types of issues, the better off you’ll be. Schedule your repairs as early as possible to keep costs under control and maintain optimum efficiency for your HVAC system. Here are some key noises to look for and what they might mean.

Squeals and Screeches

If your furnace is making a screeching or squealing noise, similar to what you may have heard in your car from time to time, the problem is likely the belt. It’s best to have the belt repaired at the first sign of trouble before it actually breaks and the blower stops turning.

This noise may also be associated with friction in the blower motor from poorly lubricated bearings. If you keep up with your annual maintenance visits, this shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re overdue for maintenance, schedule a visit as soon as possible.

Grinding

Grinding noises are typically associated with the cage blower wheel in your HVAC system. This is a serious problem and not something you should ignore. As soon as you notice this rough type of rattling sound, you should turn off the system and give our comfort advisors a call. We’ll examine the problem and determine whether you need to have the wheel tightened or replaced.

Thuds or Bangs

Thumping, thudding, rattling, and banging can all indicate that your blower wheel is unbalanced or your blower assembly is coming loose. If you have this part tightened at the first sign of trouble, you may be able to avoid more extensive damage to the system. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Call one of our comfort advisors for service as soon as you start to hear one of these noises.

Booming

Does your heating system make a loud booming sound when it turns on? This usually indicates a dirty burner assembly. Over time, carbon particles will accumulate here, partially blocking the assembly. The gas valve will begin releasing gas before the system is able to properly ignite it. This delay creates more gas than necessary prior to ignition. That boom is a tiny explosion happening in your furnace.

If you hear a boom when your furnace kicks on, it’s important to call our comfort advisors for service. You don’t want your system to continue pumping any excess gas into the house. Ignoring this issue can present a serious safety hazard. Give us a call today.

Clicks

You will probably hear your system click once as it turns on and off. This is normal, as your thermostat is sending the appropriate signal to the furnace, letting it know when it’s time to heat or cool the house. If you hear repeated clicks, however, this is a sign of trouble. Your system is probably trying to send a message that’s taking extra time to get through. You may have an issue with one of your electrical controls or relays, hampering proper communication between various parts of the system.

Rattling

The fan in your furnace should run smoothly with little to no noise. If your system isn’t operating quietly, and instead you hear a persistent rattle, there’s probably something wrong with the fan. You may have a loose fan or a component that needs replacing. The earlier you can catch this problem, the easier it will usually be to fix. Pay attention to how loudly your furnace runs, and act promptly to address developing issues.

If your furnace is making unusual noises, it’s time to call in a professional. Give Stephen K. Denny, Inc. a call at (561) 250-7415. We can help you promptly diagnose your problem and come up with the best solution for your home and your budget. Stay warm this winter with trustworthy HVAC repair services.

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