Banging, Screeching and Rattling: What 6 Ordinary Furnace Noises Signify

October 13, 2020

When your furnace is working like it should, it should provide heat without generating too much sound. While it’s common to notice your furnace making noise as it begins running, other sounds are showing your furnace requires immediate professional assistance.

Here are some of the most frequent furnace noises and what they can be signaling. If your furnace is making an odd noise, our friendly heating professionals are here to assist with the best furnace repair in West Jefferson, OH.

1. Furnace Making a Banging Noise

You may have a critical problem on your hands if you’re detecting your furnace making a banging noise. If your furnace is making a knocking noise, it might indicate there could be a few problems. These include gas increasing in your furnace or a ductwork situation.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Furnace

Your heating system gets filthy as time passes, so that’s why it’s important to schedule routine furnace maintenance with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. One of the jobs our pros perform during this appointment is clean your furnace’s burners. When this component gets grimy, you may hear your furnace making a loud rumbling noise when ignition takes more time. The subsequent gas buildup can break your furnace’s heat exchanger, where natural gas transforms into heat. Any breaks in it can emit carbon monoxide, which is normally emitted away from your home. This hazardous gas can be deadly in large concentrations.

If you’re aware of banging or knocking sounds coming from your furnace, West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. recommends turning it off and calling us at 614-879-9091. Significant natural gas in your furnace or a cracked heat exchanger are serious issues that necessitate fast repairs.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Ductwork

Your furnace works with ductwork to provide warm air across your house. If the ductwork wasn’t installed correctly or is getting old, it can be noisy when your furnace is heating. This can be the case if your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off. Get in touch with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. at 614-879-9091 and we’ll figure out the problem.

2. Furnace Making a Buzzing Noise

If you notice your furnace making a buzzing noise, don’t delay calling us. A buzzing sound often is telling you there’s an electrical situation, like with its transformer, blower motor or capacitor.

Your furnace depends on an internal transformer to run on the right voltage. If wires or the box needs to be tightened, you could notice a low humming noise in the furnace when off. Your furnace also uses a blower motor, which distributes hot or cooled air around your residence, and a capacitor, which starts the motor. If either of these pieces are fading, they will buzz when the furnace switches on.

3. Furnace Making a Rattling Noise

If your furnace is making a rattling noise, it could be due to something little, like an unsecure screw, or something major, like a broken part. In either case, we recommend shutting off your furnace and getting in touch with our heating specialists at 614-879-9091 for support.

4. Furnace Making a Squealing Noise

If your furnace makes a high-pitched noise, like squealing, when it’s heating, it’s trying to tell you it needs some TLC. If you’ve neglected furnace maintenance the last couple of years, belts could be worn down or a bearing could need to be lubricated. We are aware that maintenance often slips your mind, but our professionals can get your furnace running quietly again quickly.

5. Furnace Making a Whistling Noise

When you’re detecting your furnace making a whistling noise, it’s likely due to an air leak in your ductwork. You could also be aware of whistling while the furnace is working if a floor vent is loose. If you’ve looked at your vents but are still sensing noise, West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. can help. It’s important to get loose ductwork repaired fast, as it can make comfort issues in your home and increase your energy expenses.

6. Furnace Making a Grinding Noise

It’s not a good sign if you hear your furnace making a grinding noise. This metal-on-metal noise often means there’s an issue with your furnace’s blower. Shut down your furnace off promptly and call us at 614-879-9091 for assistance.

When you’re getting an uncommon noise from your furnace, West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is here to support you. Contact us at 614-879-9091 to schedule your furnace repair appointment right away.