Furnaces can make a lot of noise when they run to keep your house warm. But if you find yourself asking, “Why is my furnace so loud?” then you might have a problem on your hands. Though you’ll hear your furnace when it’s on, it shouldn’t be disruptive to your life; it should only be background noise.
Call Cooper’s Plumbing & Air when you need reliable furnace repair in Tallahassee, FL. We’ll inspect your furnace to determine why it’s making so much noise and repair it so you can keep your family safe and comfortable. Keep reading to learn about various furnace noises and why some are a bigger cause for concern than others.
Normal Operation Noises
It’s normal for furnaces and boilers to make noise while they run. Silence isn’t the goal here, as it could indicate that the furnace isn’t working at all. It’s wise to listen to your furnace periodically to gauge which sounds are normal and which deserve a call to an HVAC technician.
The following are sounds you can expect to hear:
- Clicking: Hearing clicking when your furnace first turns on is completely normal; it’s the thermostat signaling the furnace to turn on. It’s only a concern if you hear repeated clicking and the furnace doesn’t turn on.
- Popping: You should hear a pop as the burner turns on and powers up. Like clicking, this sound shouldn’t continue once the furnace is on.
- Humming: Furnaces make a low humming noise while they run, which you shouldn’t be able to hear if it is in the basement or across the house. If the humming becomes anything more than background noise, it could indicate something is wrong.
More often than not, sounds other than these are a sign that something is broken or is about to break. Call an HVAC technician to inspect your furnace if you’re wondering, “Why is my furnace so loud?”
Unwanted Noises
Any sounds beyond the realm of what’s described above are warning signs of trouble, and fixing them sooner rather than later will save you from larger expenses down the road. Here’s a list of the prime offenders:
- Banging: Banging sounds are jarring and may be cause for concern if the ignitor is not working properly. If the ignition is delayed, gas will build up in the furnace, leading to a small explosion that produces a banging sound. The delay is likely due to incorrect gas pressure or clogged gas lines. A less concerning source of banging sounds is sheet metal expanding or contracting in the ductwork as it heats and cools.
- Buzzing: Buzzing is usually the result of vibration caused by loose or broken pieces inside the furnace. An HVAC technician can repair or tighten the pieces to prevent further damage and make the unit quieter.
- Humming: Humming is normal, but a broken or malfunctioning blower motor fan could make it louder. If not addressed quickly, a damaged fan may cause further damage within the furnace. It may also be a sign of electrical issues, like a faulty transformer.
- Popping: Popping upon startup is normal, but if you hear it throughout the entire cycle, it could be due to sediment buildup on the burners inside the furnace. Technicians clean burners during annual maintenance to prevent this problem, so be sure to keep up with this important service.
- Rattling: Rattling is almost always the result of loose panels, screws, or other parts in the system. Schedule annual maintenance so furnace parts will be tightened regularly to avoid problems. A less common problem is a cracked heat exchanger, which should be handled urgently, as it is usually accompanied by a gas leak.
- Scraping: Scraping is often caused by failing ball bearings or a loose fan wheel. When these fall out of line, they scrape against other parts of the furnace and cause loud noises.
- Screeching or squealing: You likely have a ball bearing issue. Annual maintenance will save you from these horrid sounds that make you ask, “Why is my furnace so loud?” Squealing may also be caused by loose belt tension, which happens as the belt goes bad over time.
- Whistling: Whistling is often caused by issues with air pressure. Airflow restrictions, dirty filters, and built-up debris are all common reasons for airflow issues that will lead to whistling noises somewhere in the system. Annual maintenance will allow you to avoid these annoying problems since the HVAC technician will thoroughly clean the system.
Never try to fix any of these issues yourself, as improper tampering or disassembly could lead to a gas leak or electric shock.
Watch Out for the Silent Killer
The biggest furnace issue doesn’t make any noise at all: carbon monoxide. This toxic gas is released into your home when you have a gas leak, often caused by broken heat exchangers or gas lines.
Never underestimate the power of a gas leak. Call emergency services immediately if a carbon monoxide detector goes off or if you show physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which usually starts with a headache and breathing problems.
What To Do If You Hear Strange Noises
When you hear strange noises, call an HVAC technician to repair your furnace. What starts as a small problem will become a large repair if left alone over time. Rather than letting yourself get used to new noises, call for repairs and schedule annual maintenance to avoid inevitable problems typically caused by wear and tear after years of heavy usage.
Let Cooper’s Plumbing & Air Repair Your Furnace
Whether your furnace started making loud noises or you discovered you have a missing filter, Cooper’s Plumbing & Air can help. Our highly trained HVAC technicians are standing by to provide regular maintenance and fast repairs, keeping your furnace quiet and running smoothly for the long haul.
Contact us today at (866) 464-7132 if you’re asking, “Why is my furnace so loud?” We’ll thoroughly inspect your unit and repair, tighten, or lubricate any parts that need attention.