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If your furnace or heat pump begins making strange noises like whistling, banging, or rattling, it could be a sign of problems. While some heater noises are normal, anything outside the usual range of operational sounds should cause an alarm. Knowing what each sound means can help you take the appropriate action. Our team at FTS Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO, wants to help you determine if your heater sounds are normal or abnormal.
Common Heater Noises and Their Meanings
Over time, you grow accustomed to your heater’s usual hum when it cycles on and off. While some sounds are nothing to worry about, you should not ignore certain noises because they mean your heater needs repair.
Banging or Booming
Delayed ignition can cause a gas furnace to make booming sounds. Gas can build up before ignition occurs, causing a small explosion. Repeated ignition delay explosions can result in system damage, including cracks in the heat exchanger. Cracked heat exchangers can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. If you notice these sounds, shut down the furnace and do not operate it until we repair it and ensure its safety.
Rattling Noises
Rattling noises often mean your heater has loose parts. The rattling could stem from a loose panel, a single screw, or a component in the blower motor. Cracked heat exchangers can also cause rattling noises. Our HVAC technicians can check and secure loose parts to stop these noises from occurring. Maintenance appointments allow our technicians to tighten electrical connections and moving parts that can loosen with system vibrations.
Whistling or High-Pitched Screeching
Whistling noises often come from airflow issues. These noises may occur with clogged air filters, closed vents, and gaps in ductwork.
A high-pitched screeching noise can signal more serious issues. These noises can come from worn-out belts or bearings in the blower motor. If the noises persist after changing the filter and checking the vents, our technicians can find the problem.
Clicking Noises
You may hear clicking noises when your heater turns on or shuts down. Repeated clicking noises during operation could indicate any of several issues. You could have a faulty ignition system, a malfunctioning flame sensor, or an electrical issue regarding the relay switch. Eventually, your heater may only make clicking noises while refusing to start.
Humming or Buzzing
Your heater likely makes a low humming sound throughout its operation. Heaters need professional attention if the humming becomes noticeably louder or changes to a buzzing noise.
Loud humming or buzzing can indicate loose wiring, a malfunctioning transformer, or a failing capacitor. Electrical issues can be dangerous, leading to the risk of shocks and fires. Our professional HVAC services will repair your heater to ensure its safe function.
Rumbling Noises
Low rumbling noises are more likely to occur after your furnace shuts off. These noises frequently happen because of burner issues or incomplete combustion processes.
Maintenance is critical for ensuring your heater’s safety, as soot can build up on the burners and cause improper fuel burning. We recommend scheduling an annual maintenance appointment with our technicians at FTS Heating & Cooling to keep the combustion components clean.
Popping Noises
Popping noises can frighten you, but they usually do not come from the heater. As the metal expands and contracts in the ductwork, it can make popping or creaking sounds.
While these noises are typically harmless, we can inspect your ductwork to determine the cause. Adding insulation to your ductwork can help, and we may also need to ensure it is adequately secured to reduce the noise.
Grinding or Scraping
Grinding or scraping noises from your heater mean there is a serious problem you should never ignore. These noises often come from the blower motor. The bearings may have become worn, or the blower wheel may have loosened. Continuing to operate your heater in this state can result in further damage, abruptly ending its life span. Turn the heater off immediately and wait for repairs.
Routine Maintenance Is Essential
We recommend scheduling maintenance appointments in late summer or early fall. Before you turn it on for the season, you should have us inspect, test, and clean your heater. These appointments ensure your heater is in sound working order and has no wear and tear that could result in strange noises during operation.
Although heaters make some noises when they’re functioning, unusual or worsening sounds indicate potential component problems. Prompt repairs will restore your heater’s optimal performance and ensure its safety.
FTS Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and -operated heating and cooling company in Springfield. We have over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry and provide installation, maintenance, and repairs for all heater makes and models. Call our professional technicians at FTS Heating & Cooling today to schedule a service call to repair your noisy heater anywhere in Springfield or the surrounding areas.
