Many people don’t often think about their heating and cooling appliances until they start to make strange sounds. They can be mild and can stop after a while, or they can be somewhat downright alarming which means that there’s something wrong with your furnace. See more about common problems of furnaces on this post here.
Learning more about what they mean and knowing when to call a professional can prevent you from making it worse. This could be a gas leak that can set the house on fire or a popping that indicates a loose part. Either way, below are some tips that can help.
Why a Quiet Heating Appliance is a Must
Furnaces and boilers are specially designed to operate in the background. They can provide the warmth that the family needs during the cold nights without drawing too much attention to themselves. This way, everyone can still hear each other and there will be no noises that can annoy the entire neighborhood.
However, it’s going to be a different story when you notice that the furnace is beginning to become a nuisance. These sounds are often early warning signs to the owners that they need to address something. If they leave these issues alone, it can worsen, and you may find yourself needing to buy a brand-new appliance that can cost an arm and a leg.
Well-functioning systems have consistent hums when they are running and if you notice anything beyond this, then it’s a sign of trouble. Learning the different kinds of noises and what they are all about can help you prevent a costly repair or replacement in the long run.
Common Noises and Their Possible Causes
Banging or Popping Sounds
A sudden pop or a bang can indicate an explosion. It’s common when there’s a delay in the ignition of the burner. When they don’t light, the gas around the furnace can build up and when they finally do, the sound can be described as a banging noise. While it can be scary, this often means that you need to do some adjustments or cleaning to the appliance.
Any expansion and contraction of the metal ducts can also cause a popping sound. It often expands when heated and when it begins to cool down, it’s going to contract. If you’re unsure about what’s going on, you can always call the experts from First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling Inc to get your appliance checked. They may be harmless but if the sound is already irritating, then don’t hesitate to call the experts for a quick check-up.
Squealing Noises
A high-pitched squeal from your heating appliance is often a sign that there’s an issue with the blower motor or the fan belt. These components can wear out over time, leading to the need for lubrication and if this is coming from a worn-out belt, the solution would be to replace it.
However, if the problem lies with the blower motor, it could be more complex since this component is responsible for circulating air throughout your home, and if it’s not working correctly, it can lead to decreased efficiency and increased wear and tear on your furnace.
Clicking Sounds
These kinds of noises can happen when the heating appliance starts its normal operation, and the ignition is engaging. This should only be present at the start but if you notice that it continues through the heating cycle, then there could be an issue with the flame sensors.
Repeated clicking could also be a sign that the relay in the control board is malfunctioning. This is not something you should ignore, as it could lead to your furnace failing to ignite at all, leaving you without heat when you need it most.
Booming Noises
This sound can be a sign of a serious issue with the combustion process, often related to delayed ignition. When gas builds up and ignites all at once, it creates a booming noise that can be quite loud. It could indicate a risk of a dangerous situation developing and the right contractor can diagnose the cause and make the necessary adjustments or repairs to ensure your furnace operates safely.
What to Do When You Hear Unusual Noises?
When you hear something uncommon and you don’t like it, you should identify what it is or record it with your phone. Narrow down your options and do some research if it’s normal. However, if it’s too loud, then it might be a good idea to get a professional inspection done so you can rest assured that there’s nothing wrong with the system.
If you’re comfortable doing so, perform a visual inspection of your furnace, and see if some loose panels or screws might be causing the noise. If you see anything out of place, tighten it carefully if you have experience with this type of work. However, avoid tampering with any components you’re unfamiliar with, as this could cause more harm than good.
Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as replacing a dirty air filter or tightening a loose screw and these are the ones that are easier to spot. Check the air filter to see if it’s clogged, as it can cause the furnace to work harder, leading to unusual noises. Also, ensure that all panels and screws are secure. Read about air filters in this URL here: https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/proper-installation-furnace-and-air-handler-filters.
If you’re unable to identify the issue or if the noise persists after performing basic maintenance, it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring your heating system runs smoothly and safely.
Preventing Furnace Noises
The best way to avoid strange furnace noises is through regular maintenance. Schedule annual inspections and tune-ups with a qualified technician, as this proactive approach can help catch potential issues before they become significant problems.
Also, changing your air filter regularly, keeping the area around the furnace clean, and addressing any minor issues as soon as they arise can go a long way in maintaining a quiet and efficient heating system.
