Banging, Screeching and Rattling: What 6 Ordinary Furnace Noises Signify

October 13, 2020

When your furnace is operating correctly, it should provide warm air without generating too much sound. While it’s common to notice your furnace making noise as it turns on, other noises are signaling your furnace needs immediate professional support.

Here are some of the most common furnace noises and what they could be signaling. If your furnace is making an atypical noise, our friendly heating pros are here to fix the problem with the best furnace repair in Omaha, NE.

1. Furnace Making a Banging Noise

You might have a serious problem on your hands if you’re noticing your furnace making a banging noise. If your furnace is making a knocking noise, it might signal there could be a few problems. These range from gas building up in your furnace or a ductwork problem.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Furnace

Your heating system gets filthy over time, so that’s why it’s essential to book annual furnace maintenance with The Frazier Company. One of the things our pros complete during this appointment is clean your furnace’s burners. When this piece gets grimy, you might hear your furnace making a loud rumbling noise if ignition takes longer than normal. The ensuing gas buildup might break your furnace’s heat exchanger, where natural gas transforms into warmth. Any fractures in it can leak carbon monoxide, which is normally released outdoors. This toxic gas can be fatal in large concentrations.

If you’re hearing banging or knocking sounds coming from your furnace, The Frazier Company advises turning it off and reaching us at 402-628-0206. Significant natural gas in your furnace or a cracked heat exchanger are hazardous troubles that necessitate immediate repairs.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Ductwork

Your furnace uses ductwork to provide warm air across your house. If the ductwork wasn’t installed right or is getting dated, it can make a lot of noise when your furnace is heating. This may be the problem if your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off. Call The Frazier Company at 402-628-0206 and we’ll pinpoint the problem.

2. Furnace Making a Buzzing Noise

If you notice your furnace making a buzzing noise, don’t hesitate to call us. A buzzing sound frequently means there’s an electrical problem, like with its transformer, blower motor or capacitor.

Your furnace relies on an internal transformer to operate on the correct voltage. If wires or the box isn’t tight enough, you could detect a low humming noise in the furnace when off. Your furnace also has a blower motor, which distributes hot or cold air throughout your rooms, and a capacitor, which turns on the motor. If either of these parts are fading, they will buzz when the furnace starts.

3. Furnace Making a Rattling Noise

If your furnace is making a rattling noise, it could be the result of something little, like a loose screw, or something major, like a broken piece. In either case, we advise shutting your furnace off and getting in touch with our heating specialists at 402-628-0206 for help.

4. Furnace Making a Squealing Noise

If your furnace makes a high-pitched noise, like squealing, when it’s on, it’s trying to get your attention it could use some TLC. If you’ve skipped furnace maintenance recently, belts could be worn out or a bearing may need to be lubed. We realize that maintenance often slips your mind, but our pros can get your furnace running quietly again quickly.

5. Furnace Making a Whistling Noise

When you’re noticing your furnace making a whistling noise, it’s likely because of an air leak in your ductwork. You may also hear whistling while the furnace is running if a floor vent isn’t tight. If you’ve checked your vents but are still noticing noise, The Frazier Company can assist you. It’s critical to get loose ductwork fixed without delay, since it can create comfort problems in your home and drive up your utility expenses.

6. Furnace Making a Grinding Noise

It’s not an encouraging sign if you detect your furnace making a grinding noise. This metal-on-metal noise frequently means there’s trouble with your furnace’s blower. Shut down your furnace off immediately and call our pros at 402-628-0206 for assistance.

When you’re getting an uncommon noise from your furnace, The Frazier Company is ready to support you. Contact us at 402-628-0206 to schedule your furnace repair appointment now.