How to Quiet Down a Noisy Furnace
Has your furnace been unusually loud lately? Is it making strange noises? If so, you’re probably wondering if you should be concerned and how you can fix it. The first step is to understand the cause of the noisy furnace.
Some causes of a loud furnace require the expertise of a specialized HVAC technician. That’s why it’s important to pinpoint the cause before it becomes an issue or your furnace breaks down.
Start troubleshooting the problem by following these tips.
What Does the Noisy Furnace Sound Like?
There are many different noises a furnace can make, and narrowing down the sound can help you determine where the problem lies. A noisy furnace is quite common, but neglecting to address the issue can cause your furnace to break down.
Here are some common causes of a noisy furnace, as indicated by the sound the furnace makes.
Vibrating or Rattling
Does your furnace make a rattling noise when it’s on? Does it vibrate? If so, the issue could simply be loose screws or ducts.
This is usually a simple fix. One of the screws may have come loose, and all you would need to do is replace the missing screw. Duct tape is also useful for adjusting loose pieces of equipment, but be sure to talk with your HVAC specialist to determine if this is the best course of action.
Scraping
A grinding or scraping noise can sound like metal-on-metal. Dry bearings in the blower motor can cause this noise, as they need regular lubrication to function. It could also be a broken blower wheel or mount.
Squealing
Not having enough lubricant can cause the fan belt to make a squealing, high-pitched sound. Your furnace specialist will likely tighten the belt or apply lubricant to fix the issue.
Thumping
Banging or thumping noises from the furnace can indicate an unbalanced blower wheel or motor. Left unattended, this can cause damage to your furnace.
Regular furnace maintenance can detect problems like these or prevent them from occurring, extending the life of your unit.
Bangs or Pops
A loud banging noise is not only startling but can also indicate a dirty burner in a gas furnace. This sound could indicate gas accumulating, which can cause the heat exchanger to crack if left unattended.
Other causes of pops and bangs are when warm air meets the cold ducts and causes expansion and movement, which creates a ‘bang.’ This could mean your ducts aren’t the right size or that vents are closed off. Sometimes, there is a weak spot somewhere in the ducts that needs support.
Whistling
Whistling noises can be traced to gaps in the ductwork or a dirty filter.
A dirty, clogged filter can cause your furnace to work harder, as the fan tries to draw air from anywhere it can. This can cause a ‘whistling’ noise and can be remedied by removing the filter and replacing it with a new one.
Fix Your Noisy Furnace
If you notice screeching, scraping, grinding, or banging from your furnace, you may need to call a technician in for repairs. Sometimes, the repair is as simple as a new filter, but noise may also be a sign of a bigger issue. Thankfully, regular maintenance can prevent many of these problems.
Do you have a noisy furnace? If you’re in the southwest Missouri area, you can rely on J&M Smith Heating and Air to help you out! Simply send us a message to get started today.
