Why is My Furnace Making Noise? Common Causes

Why is My Furnace Making Noise? Common Causes

It’s normal for a furnace to make the occasional low sound. However, if you’ve been hearing unusually loud or concerning noises coming from your heating unit, it may be a sign that something is wrong. If you think your heating system’s loud noises may require an examination, contact the talented HVAC specialists at KNZ Heating & Cooling for assistance. Below, we explore the top reasons your furnace may be making noise and how we can help.

Some Furnace Noises are Normal, but Others are Not

Usually, a furnace will make a few noises when a heat cycle begins. You might also notice popping or clicking while it starts up, usually with a quiet hum. These noises usually aren’t a cause for worry, and older furnaces that have undergone increased wear and tear may be noisier. But if your furnace has recently become louder or more noisy, it could be one of the common issues described below.

Faulty Blower Motor

If your blower motor is having problems, you might hear a whistling noise. Sometimes, a faulty blower motor can cause loud, screeching sounds or rattling. This part of an HVAC system is responsible for pushing warm air into the ducts to be distributed through your home. Older furnaces are more likely to have this issue.

Reduced airflow in your home can place a strain on the blower motor, leading to unexpected noises. Likewise, damage to air vents or dirty filters can compromise the airflow. If left ignored, this issue can become costly and even cause an entire system breakdown. Call our experts right away so we can solve the problem sooner rather than later.

Dirty Burners

Have you heard loud banging coming from your furnace? The burners may be dirty. Buildup can delay ignition, causing gas to back up within the combustion chamber. The subsequent explosions cause loud banging noises. This problem can be prevented by scheduling regular maintenance. We can come to clean the furnace properly to ensure all parts are working as they are designed to.

A broken pilot light can also cause delayed ignition due to an improper gas and air ratio. In other cases, banging noises can be caused by changes in temperature as warm air flows through the ducts. This isn’t a cause for concern, but you may choose to seal the ducts to reduce the sounds.

Faulty Heat Exchange

The heat exchanger is essential to a furnace, as it prevents gas and combustion fumes from escaping. This thin metal shield contains metal coils that heat up the air, which is then circulated back into your home. Loose parts can cause rattling noises, which can be fixed easily by our team. But if the noises persist, there may be a larger issue with the heat exchanger. This can increase the risk of a carbon monoxide leak, so you’ll want us to remedy the problem right away.

Loose Fan Belt

Some types of furnaces have a motor driven by a belt. When this part becomes loose, you may hear squealing noises. The belt can also become worn down over time, prompting a replacement. Never adjust the belt yourself since it is often dangerous. We are experienced and can safely replace your furnace’s fan belt and other parts.

Contact Us Today

When your furnace makes noises, it isn’t always an immediate cause for concern. But your best bet is to call an HVAC professional for advice. KNZ Heating & Cooling will make sure your furnace is ready for the cold weather. Call today to schedule a furnace tune-up or repair.