The first time you hear an unusual sound coming from your furnace, you may crop it up to your imagination, or just being a fluke. But if you continue to hear unusual sounds coming from your furnace, there’s definitely a problem you need to address. Sure, your furnace makes some sounds as a part of regular operation, but those sounds should never be loud or alarming. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to review some important furnace safety tips that can help you identify problems early.
What do strange furnace noises mean and when should you call for repair?
Unusual furnace noises often signal mechanical issues or safety concerns. Screeching may indicate a worn blower motor, rattling can suggest loose components or ductwork, and booming typically points to delayed ignition or dirty burners. If your furnace makes any of these sounds, schedule professional repair promptly to prevent further damage.
There are four sounds in particular that are very concerning if they come from your furnace. If you are concerned about the noises coming from your furnace, you may need to invest in furnace repair in Weatherford, TX. In the meantime, you can learn more about the different sounds and understand where they’re coming from and what they mean.
Screeching Sounds: What They Mean for Your Furnace
If your furnace is screeching, that’s a sign you have a problem with your motor. It’s usually the bearing that causes a screeching sound. Through usual use, you may hear a chirping noise that sounds almost metallic. The sound happens when the fan’s blower wheel first turns on for a heating cycle. If the wheel is out of alignment, it may screech.
You may be able to jiggle the wheel and get it back into place. But, if that doesn’t work, you need expert help. While you’re looking at the motor, you can look for signs that the mounting place is warped, or that mounts and bearings are loose. This is all good information to give our team when you call us to schedule an appointment. The more we know, the better prepared we are to help you.
Rattling Noises: Is Your Furnace Falling Apart?
If your furnace rattles when the system is turning on, it could also be the motor bearing. Rattling when your furnace is turning off, could be metal parts that are cooling down. Some of your metal parts are thin enough that they expand and contract with changing temperatures. But, it’s also possible that it is something more serious. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and get rattling sounds checked out.
Booming Furnace Noises: A Sign of Delayed Ignition?
If you hear a loud boom or knock coming from your furnace, it could be that the burners are dirty. Over time, dust, and dirt can get into your system and create a grimy build-up. If the build up is on your burners, it can prevent the ignition process from happening. This means that gas continues to release into your system without being burned to create heat. The gas builds up, and then, when the ignition finally happens, it creates a booming sound because of the combustion.
Solving this problem may be as simple as cleaning off your burners. But allowing it to go on for a long period of time can leave your home and family at risk. You have an increased chance of fire hazards, and also face health consequences if you breathe carbon monoxide gas. In some cases, recurring shutdowns may point to why your furnace keeps shutting off unexpectedly, something you shouldn’t ignore.
Overtime as your furnace runs, you will be able to identify sounds that are completely normal. Most of these sounds will fade into the background as white noise. When you do you hear anything unusual, you should treat it as an emergency. Turn off your system and give us a call. We can ask questions to learn more about what’s going on and offer advice, in addition to scheduling an appointment to come out and visit your home to check out your furnace. Sometimes, strange furnace behavior is tied to poor indoor air quality issues that your standard filter can’t handle alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What kinds of noises coming from a furnace are warning signs?
Answer: Screeching (metallic whining), rattling, booming, or knocking sounds are among the noises you should not ignore. These typically point to issues like motor bearing wear, loose parts, or delayed ignition.
Question: What causes a furnace to “boom” or make knocking sounds?
Answer: A booming or knocking noise is often caused by delayed ignition, where gas accumulates before the burners light, then ignites suddenly, causing a small “explosion.” Dirty burners or buildup can worsen this.
Question: Why is my furnace screeching?
Answer: Screeching usually means there’s a problem with the motor bearings or misalignment of the blower wheel. This friction sound signals mechanical stress that should be addressed.
Question: When is rattling in my furnace harmless, and when is it serious?
Answer: A light rattle when metal parts expand or contract might be harmless. But persistent rattling, especially on startup or shutdown, can mean loose components or motor issues requiring inspection.
Question: What should I do if my furnace is making unusual sounds?
Answer: Turn off the system, inspect for obvious loose panels or screws, replace dirty filters, and contact a professional HVAC technician for diagnosis to avoid further damage or safety risks.
Contact Don’s AC Service, Inc today for your HVAC and indoor air quality needs!