Why is My Furnace Making a Loud Noise?

Why is My Furnace Making a Loud Noise?The cold weather has arrived, and it’s time to warm up a chilly house. You click on the thermostat and wonder, why is my furnace making a loud noise? Aspen Creek Heating and Air is here with some great advice on what could potentially be causing a noisy furnace, as well as what is normal and what is not.

Most furnaces, especially older ones, will make the occasional pinging sound or hum, especially when initially turned on. This is usually just the ducts expanding or the blower fan warming up. However, if your furnace keeps you awake during the night or you cannot carry on a conversation, it is time to call Aspen Creek Heating and Air immediately for service or repair.

Here are some important sounds NOT to ignore.

    1. LOUD BANG OR POP is not a good sign and could indicate that the furnace burners are dirty. If these burners are dirty, it will delay the igniting, causing excess gas build up, hence the loud bang when the gas finally ignites. The heater exchange may crack or cause a small explosion, and this part is expensive to replace. A regular service from the professionals is all it will take to rectify the situation and should be dealt with promptly to avoid fire hazards.
    2. EXPANDING AND CONTRACTING AIR DUCTS, especially metal ones will make noises as the blower turns off and on, usually because there is a clogged filter, undersized ducts, or a closed vent. Have Aspen Creek Heating and Air look into it, if you are uncertain where the issue lies.

    3. HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE could be shaft bearings that need oil, or it could be a loose, slipping or frayed blower belt, which will need to be adjusted or replaced. Worst case scenario, the blower motor may need replacement.

    4. RATTLING NOISES may be caused by ducts that have come loose. You can either duct tape them or tighten any loosened screws. You can also put a mat of some sort underneath the heater to stop vibrations from occurring.

    5. MOTOR NOISE could mean worn out bearings and is best addressed by an HVAC specialist.

    6. CLANGING NOISE is probably caused by the pipes, as opposed to the furnace itself. They will make noise when they cool down, and this issue is usually found in older style homes.

    7. METAL HITTING METAL SOUND is likely the blower wheel coming loose from the motor shaft, and hitting the blower housing. Turn the unit off immediately and have a specialist inspect and or tighten. Also, the blower wheel or motor mount may have broken and will need replacement.

    8. LOUD HUMMING NOISE is most likely just a noisy transformer. There will always be some degree of humming with the transformer, but if it is unusually loud, it could be a bad fan or capacitor. Have an HVAC specialist look at it promptly.

    9. RUMBLING NOISES (gas and oil fired systems) call immediately for service and turn off the unit. This could be a serious problem with your burner and may also be a fire hazard.

    10. FAULTY THERMOSTATS will sometimes make a clicking sound over and over. If that is the issue, try changing the batteries or ensuring that the wires behind are not frayed or disconnected. Only do so, if you feel competent enough to do so safely. If none of this works, then call the professionals.

    11. DRY BEARINGS will need to be lubricated, and an HVAC specialist is the best options to do so.

    12. PILOT LIGHT may require adjustment. You can easily do this yourself.

    According to the True Cost Guide, the average homeowner will spend $135-$422 for furnace repairs depending on the brand, where and how the unit was first installed. That is not a bad price for peace of mind and warmth during the winter. If you do have parts that need replacement on your unit, check the manufacturer’s warranty to see if it is covered. Most come with a 5-year warranty and a 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger. Read the fine print, of course, to ensure you get all the details of what your warranty entails.

    If you find yourself in the predicament of a furnace that has finally called it quits, we can help with that too! We carry an extensive range of high-efficiency furnace makes and models that suit everyone’s budget. We will thoroughly advise you and assist in determining which unit best suits the needs of your home, family, and usage. We also specialize in providing thorough installation, yearly maintenance, and tips on how to get the most from a furnace.

    Remember, many older houses have outdated furnace systems. Most likely, they will not be pumping out the proper amount of heat, not to mention the noise factor that may go along with it. Consult with Aspen Heating and Air about a “quiet” furnace for your next purchase. There are so many options on the market and many things to consider when buying a new, modern and energy efficient furnace. Do your own research too, by checking out Consumer Reports for all the latest, up to date information on furnace trends, including brands, energy sources, reliability, efficiency, size, cost and more. Review this valuable information when making a large purchase such as a furnace.

    So how many years can you expect to get out of your new furnace? Many, especially if the furnace is well-maintained. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the year 2000, the average lifespan is about 18 years, and some are between 15-25 years, depending on the amount of usage and the starting and stopping of the unit. That is why regular inspection is important to prolong the life of your furnace. Parts and electronics will need to be changed out with wear and tear, but the nuts and bolts of the system should remain strong.

    With winter upon us, it’s important that your heating system is up to par. Call Aspen Creek Heating and Air if you have to ask yourself why is my furnace making a loud noise. We are a family-operated business with over 15 years of experience in the HVAC industry and can help with installations and repairs on all brands of furnaces, heating systems, and more. Get in touch today for fast, friendly service!

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