Most furnace models in the market are not completely silent during operation, but you can always tell that low humming sound from other sounds your furnace may make when there is a problem. You should never ignore any unfamiliar sounds coming from your furnace, instead call in a heating and air conditioning repair technician to have a look.
Why so loud, anyway? Some of the common causes of these sounds, according to heating and air conditioning repair experts, include the following:
- Problems with the Blower Fan Motor
A furnace has a blower unit, and in this unit is a fan, which is turned by a blower motor. Squeaks and squeals and any high-pitched screeches coming from your furnace may be due to a loose blower motor belt. Your furnace will make similar sounds if dust and other debris settle in the motor bearings. Cleaning up and properly lubricating the bearings should be enough to quiet this particular noise.If you notice a banging noise, much like metal banging against metal, it may be because of any one or more of several problems with the motor. The motor bearings may be worn out and in need of replacement by a professional heating and air conditioning repair technician. It could also be because the motor has detached from the furnace housing and keeps hitting it.
- Delayed Ignition
Another possible cause of banging sounds is a dirty furnace. If your burners are dirty, the build-up of dirt may slow down the ignition process, in that a small amount of gas will build up before the furnace finally lights up with a bit of a bang or explosion.To avoid delayed ignition, the service technician will clean out your burners. You should be deliberate about keeping dirt and other debris from your burners going forward. Ensuring that your furnace cover stays on and changing out your furnace filters every few weeks helps to do just that.
- Ductwork Issues
Gaps in your ductwork will produce a high-pitched whistling sound. If this is the case, you will notice that the sound will be coming from the point of connection between the furnace and ducts.Your furnace may also produce some sound as your ducts expand and contract as heated air flows through them. This is expected but may be something to worry about if the sound is too loud. In this scenario, the problem may be that your ducts are too small for the amount of airflow they are subjected to. A heating and air conditioning repair expert can replace the ducts with bigger ones. Proper insulation also helps to take care of the noise.
- Loose Screws
Loose screws anywhere on your furnace can make it sound loud while it runs. The fix is pinpointing the loose screw and tightening it, which is easy, and you can actually do it yourself. If you are unsure about it, then by all means, call in an expert.
- A Crack in the Heat Exchanger
Loose screws are the easy-to-fix and often harmless cause of rattling sounds. Not so much when you are dealing with a crack in the heat exchanger. These cracks result from heat build-up in the exchanger when there is improper airflow.Heat exchanger cracks are severe problems as they may lead to gas leaks. The gas leaks will set off the alarm, and if this happens, you should clear out the house. It shouldn’t ever get to this point, however. Instead, call in the professionals immediately if you notice a rattling sound and are confident the noise is not coming from a loose screw.
A Job for Professionals
Should you trust your DIY skills or a handyman with your furnace repair needs? Getting the repair right begins with accurately diagnosing the cause of the noise and other issues. Licensed heating and air conditioning repair technicians have the knowledge and the skills to accurately diagnose and fix furnace problems.
A noisy furnace can be distracting; you would have trouble enjoying the warmth it provides. Bring in an expert to inspect your furnace, identify the cause of the noise, and provide a lasting solution for the same.
Don’t Wait!
When should you call a heating and air conditioning repair expert? As soon as you notice any of the sounds highlighted. As outlined, the problem could be a small one like a loose screw or a major one like a cracked heat exchanger. You wouldn’t want to take the chances.
Again, the longer you delay the repairs, the higher the chances of a small problem morphing into something more serious. You may end up spending much more on repairs, and worse, the damage may get so bad that you may need to replace some parts or even the furnace itself.
Kelly’s Heating and Cooling staff of technicians are here to help with any maintenance, repair, or replacement you may need. Call today for an inspection or consultation. 801-282-9952
