In this blog entry, the Chicago HVAC inspection and Chicago heating ductwork repair service experts here at EmDuct will detail the most common forms of furnace noises that home or business owners might hear, and what furnace issues these sounds might indicate.
Banging Furnace Noises
Loud banging noises in your furnace indicate small gas explosions caused by ignition delays. Just like with gas stoves, furnace gas can accumulate inside combustion chambers when burners fail to ignite on time, which can cause dirt and dust buildup or clogging. This can also result in gas burner malfunctions. If your furnace is making banging noises, contact a professional HVAC repair technician as soon as possible for assistance in avoiding the risk of dangerous gas leaks or fires.
Shrieking Furnace Noises
Shrieking, high pitched sounds from your furnace are likely due to motor issues and damaged belts. This should be repaired as soon as possible by an expert HVAC technician before it causes more issues.
Scraping Furnace Noises
This indicated damaged or loose components in your furnace. These might include worn down ball bearings, loose blower wheels or screws, or bent fan blades. These are common and easily correctable.
Rattling or Rumbling Furnace Sounds
Loose parts like unfasted screws can cause rattling and rumbling furnace sounds. These loose components can cause serious damage with furnaces if not addressed as soon as possible. Make sure an HVAC system and furnace repair technician looks at your blower motor, heat exchange, gas burners, and hot surface ignitor as soon as possible.
Whistling Furnace Sounds
Clogged air filters or air duct leaks can cause whistling furnace noises. This usually causes inefficient airflow, increasing energy consumption and raising energy bills.
Humming Furnace Sounds
These sounds usually don’t get addressed or even noticed in the first place as they can easily be overlooked. However, if they get loud or annoying, it’s likely due to a broken or damaged internal component like a damaged capacitor or broken fan inside your furnace. Have a professional HVAC repair team provide an inspection.