Why Is My Furnace Making Loud Noises?

A properly functioning furnace shouldn’t make much noise, so if your unit starts to make loud and unusual sounds, it may be malfunctioning and in need of repairs.

That said, it’s likely best and safest to call a heating repair expert to come look at your furnace instead of attempting to fix the problem yourself. It’s not unheard of for malfunctioning furnaces to have gas flow issues or emit toxic fumes that are dangerous to inhale. Allowing a skilled technician to examine your system ensures you and your household remains safe.

At Tom’s Mechanical, we provide 24/7 heating repair services in Arlington. You can trust our skilled furnace repair experts to promptly identify any abnormal rumblings your furnace is making and offer effective solutions.

Common Furnace Noises and What They Might Mean

Banging



The most common cause for banging and booming noises are problems with your air ducts. If the air ducts are undersized for your furnace or you have a clogged filter, the air pressure from your furnace may be too extreme and cause the ducts to expand and contract, resulting in frequent loud bangs. Not only are these noises annoying but issues with your ducts can also decrease the longevity of your heating system.

Another common cause for loud banging noises is a delay in gas ignition. A furnace that doesn’t ignite right away causes gas to build up in the combustion chamber. Once the furnace finally turns on, the built-up gas causes a loud banging or booming noise which can damage your furnace.

What to do: Contact a furnace repair professional to inspect your furnace and fix any issues.

Whistling

One of the more common unusual furnace noises is a whistling sound. A whistling noise can be either loud of subtle depending on the type of furnace you have and the nature of the issue itself. It’s a good idea to try to identify where the whistling is originating. For instance, if you hear whistling in only one room, this may be indicative of a blockage or air leak in your air ducts rather than a problem with your furnace.

Whistling can also be caused by issues with the blower. A whistling sound that comes from the furnace, instead of a duct or vent usually means there’s a mechanical problem with the blower.

Other potential causes of a whistling sound include:

• Airflow issues due to clogged or dirty air filters
• Loose bolts in the furnace
• A damaged or defective gas valve

What to do: Replace your air filter and open all vents. If this doesn’t fix the problem and the whistling noise persists, call a trained professional for help.

Buzzing or Humming

Loud and disruptive buzzing or humming can indicate various issues with the electrical components of your furnace, including:

• Transformer
• Blower motor
• Blower motor capacitor
• Inducer motor

What to do: Contact a furnace repair professional who can identify and replace the malfunctioning electrical component in your heating unit.

Rattling

If your furnace is making a rattling noise, this usually means one of two things: either the heat exchanger is cracked and needs replacement, or the furnace has a loose part.

The heat exchanger is one of the most crucial parts of your unit. If you hear a rattling sound immediately after the furnace turns on, your heat exchanger may have a leak. You may also notice it’s more difficult (or expensive) to keep your house warm despite making no changes to your normal thermostat settings.

Some common loose parts that make a rattling sound are:

• Blower wheel
• Panels
• Ductwork connections

What to do: Call a furnace repair specialist to check your heat exchanger for leaks and tighten any loose parts in your furnace.

Are You in Need of a Furnace Repair in Arlington?

If your furnace is making noises you’ve never heard before, contact Tom’s Mechanical for help. Our skilled professionals will provide you with an honest assessment and fast, hassle-free heating repair solutions.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 972-388-3669.