For home owners using older furnaces, strange banging, clanking, and whistling sounds are no surprise. However, if the furnace is relatively new, the unit should be almost completely silent while it operates. Either way, it is not a good sign when the heating unit produces strange sounds.
If home owners hear the following noises, they should have their furnace inspected by a professional HVAC technician at the earliest.
Noises from furnaces
- Booming - Loud booming sounds are likely caused due to air ducts expanding and contracting. This is most likely a result of a severe temperature drop. Booming can also indicate that the furnace has dirty burners or issues with ignition. Seek professional heating assistance, as the furnace needs repair.
- Buzzing - When parts are loose inside the furnace’s transformer, a buzzing noise will manifest. Home owners can contact Bob’s Heating and Air Conditioning to tighten the system.
- Clunking - Clunking sounds express a broken or cracked belt. Once this part is replaced, the clunking sounds should disappear.
- Rumbling - If home owners hear a rumbling sound, they should have a professional HVAC technician check out the unit immediately. There is probably a leak in the heater exchanger, which when broken, can release carbon monoxide into the home. This is extremely dangerous as carbon monoxide can cause serious health implications.
- Scraping - A scraping sound is created when metal swipes against metal. The only structure within the furnace that would produce this kind of noise is the blower wheel. If the blower wheel is loose or broken, it will hit the side of the system, creating that scraping sound.
- Screeching - If home owners notice a screeching sound, the motor might be malfunctioning. This is the precursor to an entire system breakdown. Home owners will probably need an entirely new system. Bob’s Heating and Air Conditioning will make sure that furnace replacements meet all heating needs for the homes.
- Whining - If home owners hear whining sound, they are right to be concerned. Whining noises indicate that the motor mount is loose. They need to have a heating technician check the furnace immediately, as the motor is not meant to slip and slide within the furnace.
