Why Is My Furnace So Loud?

If you noticed your heating unit is making noises, you must be wondering what caused them? Hearing unusual noises can suggest serious problems and/or damages to your unit. 

These noises shouldn’t be ignored, they can help pinpoint a specific problem. At Trahan’s Heating & Cooling, we’re here to tell you what each noise means and what you can do to fix it.

Common Furnace Noises and How to Fix It

Whistling Sound

A whistling or vibrating noise may mean the vents have an open airway. If you’re hearing a rattling noise, it can be that something loose has fallen and is rattling inside the ductwork.

This can lead to more damage, such as more open airways or separating itself from the unit.

You should inspect the vents and ductwork to see if something has fallen. Also, check for any open airways. You can fix them by getting loose items out of the way and putting them back in place. If you need help, call a professional HVAC technician, like the team at Trahan’s, to fix it.

Loud Banging Noise

A loud bang or boom when you turn on your furnace may mean the burner hasn’t been cleaned. It can be dangerous as it can cause a delayed ignition. This makes the gas build up slowly causing the loud banging noise. 

Another reason can be the unbalanced fuel-to-air ratio. If you have more air than fuel, it can also create a booming noise. 

To prevent these loud noises, you should do regular maintenance and schedule annual inspections. Your technician will inspect the unit, make sure your ratio is balanced and clean your HVAC system. 

Screeching Sound

A screeching or rattling furnace noise could mean that the blower motor needs more lubrication. A lubricated blower motor does the necessary job of the unit; gets the warm air out of the furnace and through the air ducts to warm your home. If the motor isn’t lubricated, the fan will seize up and you may end up with a high repair bill.

To prevent this from happening, have an HVAC technician perform a proper inspection. They will do the oiling and check for other necessary maintenance and repairing if needed. 

Clanging Noise

If you hear a clanging noise, which can best be described as metal against metal sound, it may be your furnace wheel. It may be that the wheel has gotten loose and needs to be tightened.

This can be a serious issue. Turn off the furnace and contact a professional to have it checked out. It could be a minor repair but it’s best to have it professionally checked.

Rattling Noise

A rattling noise can mean there’s a loose panel or screw. After turning off your furnace, you can tighten the panel with a screwdriver. If it continues to make a rattling noise, it may be a faulty heat exchanger. This is a sign of a leak or crack in the exchanger. It’s dangerous and you should contact a professional to inspect it.

The heat expands in the exchanger and can crack. This only happens if the furnace has been neglected for years. 

Other Possible Furnace Noises:

• Scraping
• Humming
• Rumbling
• Popping
• Banging

Don’t ignore the loud furnace noises! If you have furnace problems, contact Trahan’s Heating & Cooling! We offer heater repair and other HVAC services in the Houma and surrounding areas!