It’s not uncommon for your furnace to make some noise, especially during peak heating system, when you need to run it frequently. But how do you tell the difference between a normal furnace sound and the ones you need to be concerned about? Keep reading to learn the top five furnace noises, and remember that for all the quality furnace services you need, you can always count on our expert HVAC techs at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems.
Top 5 Furnace Noises & What They Mean
- Banging: More often than not, that banging noise coming from your furnace is just sediment reacting with your system’s heating element. These mini-explosions may sound alarming, though they can usually be quelled with a standard maintenance appointment. You may also notice a banging sound when your furnace is in use coming from your air ducts, as they expand and contract. The worst-case scenario when it comes to this noise is that there is a leak in your furnace’s heat exchanger. This is a very serious problem, and can even put you home at risk for carbon dioxide exposure, so just to be on the safe side, always call an HVAC tech when you hear furnace banging.
- Squealing: Screeching and squealing coming from your furnace usually means that there is some kind of internal mechanical problem going on with your furnace. The root of this issue could be everything from a faulty fan motor to a malfunctioning belt, and while neither of these issues are unfixable, they will require the assistance of a skilled HVAC technician to take care of.
- Rattling: Similar to squealing, a rattling furnace is usually an indicator of a mechanical issue. You’re probably hearing some piece from a loose component or part in your system, such as the motor fan. Again, this is not necessarily a serious issue—as long as it is dealt with in a timely manner. If you wait to deal with that rattling sound inside your furnace, there is a greater change that you will have to replace the entire system.
- Chirping: It is common to hear your furnace make a chirping sound when you fire it up at the beginning of the winter season, after it has sat dormant through months of disuse. If this chirping sound continues, however, you will definitely want to call an HVAC technician to address it. You could be dealing with a faulty fan belt, a misaligned wheel, or worn-out bearings and mounts. These issues may be easily resolved with a professional tune-up, but you will still want to address them sooner rather than later.
- Clicking: A clicking sound coming from your furnace is almost always a sign of a connection error between the ignition and the gas. Essentially, this noise is the same thing you hear as when you turn on a gas stove and wait for the flame to appear. This can be a serious problem and even lead to a gas leak if not dealt with right away, so always call a technician to look at your flame sensor if your furnace emits this chirping noise.
For more information on furnaces and for all your other heating service needs, call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems at (770) 268-2422, or send us a message online.