Are you hearing strange noises from your basement and wondering, “Why is my furnace making a loud noise?” As the experts of furnace repair in Canton, Green Energy Mechanical Inc, can answer all your furnace questions. Keep reading to learn the most common noises your furnace makes, the potential causes, and how our technicians can help.
Most Common Furnace Noises
All furnaces and boilers make some noise, but you’ll likely realize quickly when it’s making an unusual noise. However, if you notice any of the following noises, they’re cause for concern:
- Scraping
- Squealing
- Screeching
- Whistling
- Banging
- Popping
- Rattling
- Rumbling
- Humming
- Buzzing
- Clicking
Reasons Your Furnace Makes a Loud Noise
If you hear any of the above noises, call our HVAC professionals to diagnose and fix the issue. We usually find it’s one of the following issues:
Faulty Blower Wheel
The blower fan forces the warm air out of your furnace and through your ductwork into the home. If the wheel portion of the fan becomes damaged, you’ll likely hear a scraping noise that sounds like metal rubbing against metal.
The problem could range from a simple piece we should tighten to damage that requires complete replacement. This ranks as one of the more serious issues. If you ignore it, it could cause even more expensive damage.
You might also hear a squealing sound which could indicate a lack of lubrication. Regardless, shut down the furnace until it’s fixed.
Damaged Belt
The fan connects to the blower motor using a belt. With a broken belt, you’ll hear screeching or squealing sounds similar to that of a broken or loose blower motor. Shut off the furnace until an HVAC technician looks at it.
Low Airflow
If your furnace experiences low airflow, it can cause the blower motor to work harder than normal, causing a whistling sound. Open your vents wider and change your air filter. If that doesn’t work, call our technicians for help.
Shifting Ductwork
If you’re asking, “Why is my furnace making a loud noise,” consider whether the problem resides in your ductwork. As your ductwork expands and contracts, it can make popping or banging noises. In this case, you have nothing to worry about, but if the sound annoys you, an HVAC professional can help.
Problematic Burner
The burner in your gas furnace mixes air with fuel to create heat. It’s vulnerable to buildups of dust, dirt, and soot, at which point you’ll likely hear loud bangs coming from your furnace. It might also delay the time it takes your furnace to heat the air after it turns on.
If you hear a rumbling sound, it often means the fuel continues burning in the chamber even though the furnace has already shut off. Regardless of specific details, a faulty burner is a serious problem and leaves you vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning without immediate repairs.
Loose Parts
Your furnace consists of many parts, and if any of them become loose, you’ll likely hear a rattling sound as it vibrates. The easiest fix is the panel on your furnace, as it simply requires tightening some screws. If that doesn’t work, you have a more serious problem and shouldn’t run your furnace until a professional addresses the issue.
Broken Ignition
Your furnace should click when it turns on, indicating the ignition system has activated and will light the fuel. However, if you hear the clicking noise throughout the heating cycle, rather than at the beginning only, you likely have a problem with your ignitor.
Whether you’re experiencing delayed ignition or the ignitor doesn’t turn on at all, you’ll want to address the problem quickly to avoid further damage. However, clicking sounds could also indicate a problem with the blower, compressor, or control panel.
Broken Capacitor
If you hear a humming noise, you likely have a faulty capacitor. A capacitor regulates the flow of electricity to the blower motor to ensure consistent and efficient operation. Without it, your fan might run intermittently or not at all.
Dirty Filter
A dirty air filter can cause several problems, including lower airflow (you’ll hear a whistling sound) and overheating. Change your filter at least every 30 days to avoid problems.
Let Green Energy Mechanical Inc Inspect Your Burner
Now you know the answer to “Why is my furnace making a loud noise?” The experts at Green Energy Mechanical Inc can determine why your furnace is making unusual noises and promptly fix it. From teaching you the indications that your furnace is working properly to routine maintenance, we have the knowledge and professionalism you need.
To speak with a team member, call 877-565-4621.
