The regular furnace operation is sometimes accompanied by unusual noises, indicating an underlying problem. As a homeowner, you need to listen to your furnace to know which sounds are normal and quickly tell when the sound and volume change. Different furnace noises are due to various reasons. Below are four weird noises that should alert you to contact an HVAC expert for diagnosis and repair.
If you turn on your heating system and a loud bang echoes throughout your home, it is an indicator of an ignition problem. Usually, when you turn on the system, the valve releases the fuel, which should be ignited immediately. Due to ignition problems, the gas may fail to ignite and accumulate in the combustion chamber. The collected gas burns suddenly when it finally ignites, creating a loud explosion.
There may be noises that sound like metal dragging on metal. This is often due to problems with the blower wheel. It may have come loose, and it rubs against the blower casing as it rotates. Over time, the motor bearings may fail due to dirt accumulation, age or faulty capacitors. They will produce screeching sounds and need to be repaired to prevent overheating.
Just like we make a whistle by restricting airflow with the tongue, furnaces make whistling sounds when there is obstructed airflow. This may be due to dirty air filters or clogged air vents. Air may also be leaking out through damaged ductwork. Blocked air flow can lead to higher energy use as the heating system struggles to draw in air through the filters or pass it out via the vents. Damaged ducts also lead to energy loss as warm air leaks out and cold air flows into the dust system.
Clicking and popping sounds are common in old furnaces due to the changes in duct pressure as warm air flows through. Sometimes, a popping sound indicates problems such as dirty burners, while clicking sounds may signal cracks in the heat exchanger. If popping or clicking sounds continue long after the system starts, call a technician to check the cause.
Weird noises from your furnace can be due to underlying problems that compromise its energy efficiency or can cause safety hazards. Even if the problem is minor, contacting a professional to fix it before it escalates is vital.
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