You turn on your furnace to warm your home, and a strange noise follows. Obnoxious, loud, and consistent, it’s slowly driving you insane. You’ve discovered the noise is coming from your furnace, but you don’t know why. Understanding why your furnace is making noise can help you troubleshoot the issue. There are several possibilities for why this is happening. This may be the first time you’ve heard this sound. It’s quite normal and occurs on occasion with some furnaces. While not a cause for concern, it’s still nice to know what’s causing the sound. Below are some of the reasons why your furnace is making noise.
1. The Blower Wheel or Motor May Be Bad
The blower wheel is responsible for blowing air through the furnace and into your home. A bad blower wheel can cause the loud, high-pitched sound you’re hearing. The good news is it’s an easy fix if this is the problem. You can replace it yourself or call a technician to come out and do it for you. A bad motor can also cause an annoying noise. If the motor is hitting the housing, you’ll hear a clicking sound. A motor that’s either too loose or too tight can also cause this. The good news is it can be fixed by tightening or loosening the belt that drives the motor. If the bearings are bad, you’ll hear a grinding sound.
2. The Burner Ports May Be Clogged
If air isn’t being sucked in through the intake ports, it will have to be forced in through other means. A clogged intake port will create the hulking sound you hear. You can usually resolve this problem yourself by cleaning out the ports with a wire hanger or screwdriver, and this should only take a few minutes to do.
3. The Heat Exchanger May Be Bad
The heat exchanger is a metal pipe that sits between your furnace and the heater. Sometimes the heater will work harder than it needs to keep your house warm. This can cause a leak or a crack in the exchanger that causes an annoying noise. A bad exchanger can also be caused by hard water. You can easily fix this type of problem on your own with some elbow grease.
4. The Heat Exchanger May Be Corroded
Corrosion forms on your heat exchange over time and creates a lot of noise. It usually happens on a slow, steady basis, and you may not notice it until you have to have it replaced. This type of problem requires a professional to come out and replace the exchanger.
5. The Burner Reels May Be Bad
The burner reels are the metal support points for your burner. They usually produce noise when worn or damaged, which is often accompanied by a burning smell. It isn’t an easy fix and requires someone with experience and specialized tools to service your furnace.
6. The Motor Bearings May Be Bad
A motor that’s too tight or one that’s too loose can make a noise when the bearing tries to fail. If the bearings give out completely, it can cause your motor to burn up. When this happens, the bearings will let out a burning smell. A good technician will be able to determine if this is the problem. If you notice any of these problems, you’ll need to call us to come out and diagnose what’s wrong with your furnace. We’ll be able to determine if it’s a quick fix or something that requires serious work.
7. The Air Handlers Are Bad
The air handlers are metal pipes that connect the furnace to the outside of your home. If there is a leak in the tubing, dirt can get blown up into the furnace, which will cause an annoying noise. This can also be caused by hard water, and this is a quick fix that only takes a few minutes to do.
8. The Thermostat Is Bad
If the thermostat is making a clicking noise, it could be because the contacts inside are loose and touching. If so, tighten the screws, and it should stop making noise. If there is dirt or corrosion on the contacts, you’ll hear a clicking sound as well. You can easily clean them out with a pencil eraser to fix this problem. The thermostat could also be bad if it’s flashing an error code, and this can be more complicated to fix and may require a service call.
9. The Motor Is Bad
If your motor makes a grinding noise or if the bearings are bad, the motor is probably bad and will need to be replaced. If this is the case, we’ll recommend replacing it with a new high-quality motor. For furnace repair, installation and maintenance in Theodore, AL, and surrounding areas contact Hansen Air Pros. We offer reliable, affordable heating and air conditioning services designed to keep your system running in top condition.
10. Condensation Is Forming
Condensation in the air ducts can be another cause of furnace noise. Condensation occurs when warm, moist air is forced through the metal tubing. When the air comes into contact with cooler metal, it turns into water. This can cause a lot of noise if it isn’t corrected. If this happens, turn off the furnace and leave the doors open to allow for ventilation for it to dry out completely.
11. The Regulator Is Bad
If your furnace is set to a lower setting, it may be making a humming sound. This is because the speed of the blower motor is being regulated. If the noise is constant, you might have a problem with your regulator. If this happens, call us to come out and fix it for you.
12. The Limit or Safety Switch Is Bad
The limit switch determines the temperature of the furnace. If it’s bad, it can cause your furnace to make an odd noise. The good news is that this is usually an easy fix that only takes a few minutes to do. If it’s not, call us to come out and fix it for you.
13. The Burner May Be Bad
If the burners are loose or making a squealing noise, they’re probably bad. If this is the case, we’ll have to replace them. If you hear any of these noises coming from your furnace, you’ll need to call us right away. We’ll be able to diagnose the problem and let you know what needs to be done. We may even be able to fix the problem ourselves if it’s a quick fix.
14. The Heating Element Is Bad
If your furnace’s heating element is burning out, you’ll hear a high-pitched squeal. This can be caused by hard water, and this is a fast fix that only takes a few minutes. If this is the case, we’ll replace it and then return it quickly.
15. The Condensation Drain Is Blocked
Condensation drains are designed to get rid of moisture that causes problems for your furnace. If your condensation drain is blocked, moisture can’t get out of the machine. When this happens, the condensing unit will overwork itself to heat your home. This can cause metal parts to move around inside, which can cause an annoying noise. If this happens, you’ll need to have it cleaned out properly.
It’s important to take care of your furnace, so you don’t have to deal with furnace noise. If you have a problem with your furnace, you’ll need to call us right away to come out and service it for you. Our technicians will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know what needs to be done. If you need assistance in commercial services, indoor air quality, and AC maintenance, repair and installation in Theodore, AL, and the surrounding areas, contact Hansen Air Pros today.