It’s almost time to start firing up your furnace to combat the chilly fall and winter weather. If you have ever turned on your heat, you should be vaguely familiar with the furnace noises that are associated with it. The sound of a fan spinning or ringing perhaps. But what noises should worry you? The average cost of a new furnace is between $2,000 and $4,500, so you should know the signs that can save you thousands of dollars. In this post we will breakdown the noises that your furnace should make, and the noises it shouldn’t.
What Are Normal Furnace Noises?
Your furnace is essential to maintaining a warm and comfortable home when the temperatures start to drop. Some normal furnace noises that you shouldn’t have to worry about include:
Humming- This is normal to hear once your furnace ignites.
Crackling- This is also normal after you turn your furnace off as the metal of your furnace cools down and slightly contracts.
Clicks- When you turn your furnace on, you may hear an initial click which is the sound of your ignition starting.
Furnace Noises That You Should Worry About
Any loud or unusual furnace noise that you hear should be taken seriously and if you have any doubts about whether or not the sound is normal, call an expert to get your furnace inspected.
Here are some furnace noises that could potentially be problematic:
Banging
If you hear a loud banging sound coming from your furnace, this may be a sign of a delayed ignition. If your ignition is delayed, gas will build up in the furnace and cause a small explosion. This can obviously be very problematic so a licensed HVAC technician should come and look at it right away.
Scraping
Scraping noises usually indicate worn out ball bearings or a faulty blower wheel in your furnace. This is another instance where it is best to call an HVAC technician.
Whistling
If your furnace is whistling, this could indicate a partially clogged air filter. You should try and clean the air filter and see if that resolves the problem. If the noise persists, you are better off calling in a professional.
Rattling
Some rattling can be normal in your furnace. Rattling most likely indicates a loose panel of door on the outside of the furnace. If possible, grab a screwdriver and see if you can tighten the outside elements of your furnace.
If the noises don’t stop, it may be a loose part on the inside of the furnace. Instead of doing this yourself, call in a professional so they can take care of it.
Fix Unusual Furnace Noises with Quality Cool Air
If you are being plagued with unusual furnace noises this fall, it may be time for you to call a certified HVAC technician. The professionals at Quality Cool Air have the experience and expertise to fix any problem your furnace or air conditioner may have. Give us a call or fill out our contact form so we can keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer!