3 Causes of Furnace Sounds and What They Mean

When you turn on your heater in the winter, you might hear some noises coming from your furnace. That’s usually because it’s the first time you’ve turned the heat on in months. However, if those sounds keep on going for days on end, it could be indicative of a more serious problem with your HVAC unit. Here’s what those sounds could mean for your unit.

1. Clogged Filters

When trying to figure out furnace sounds and what they could mean, it’s important to identify these strange sounds as they vary with the underlying issue. For example, a whistling sound could potentially be the result of a clogged filter. Clogged and dirty filters end up putting a significant strain on an HVAC system, as airflow is not as powerful. This sends you to the thermostat and cranking up the heat or A/C because you are not feeling the immediate effects. That will send your electric bills skyrocketing.

A popping or banging noise can also point to issues with your HVAC filter. Replacing and cleaning filters is part of regular maintenance for any home heating or cooling system. Beyond keeping your heater operating properly, this will also help keep any dust or other air contaminants from impacting your indoor air quality. If you have a dirty burner, gas could build up inside the furnace and cause a small explosion. An audible low rumble can identify that serious problem with some ignition problems.

2. Loose or Damaged Parts

Loose or broken parts in your HVAC system can be the culprit for the noises that are driving you insane when the heat pops on. If you hear a screeching metal sound, a blower wheel may have come loose. If your furnace sounds like something is tumbling around inside, you should contact a technician immediately for furnace repair. A popping sound could actually mean that your ductwork is bending and flexing in response to temperature changes.

If you notice a rattling noise, it could be something as simple as a loose screw or damaged part. However, it could be something as significant as a cracked heat exchanger. This issue with the heat exchanger means serious damage and a danger to your home, as this will cause carbon monoxide to leak in, causing suffocation. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so it is recommended that homeowners invest in a CO detector to monitor for this deadly gas.

3. Leaks

If you have heard a whistling noise coming from your furnace, it could actually mean that something is leaking. The air in older HVAC ducts can leak through small holes, creating that high-pitched sound. Leaks in your ductwork end up putting more pressure on your unit, as airflow is not streaming properly through your vents. Air leaks create this sound, which occurs when the fan in the indoor air handler of an HVAC system is operating. It may change based on the location of duct system registers and dampers throughout your home. This is also impacted by the blower condition and air filter condition of your unit.

Leaks can especially be concerning in your kitchen. This is important, especially when establishing any business in the food industry. This is why you should start a mobile kitchen with low start-up costs for maintaining customers for the long run. It is a good idea to utilize a mobile kitchen to locate your customers. With food trucks popping up rapidly, it allows for a new location daily and a way to approach new vendors each day for meal ideas.

These tips can help you address any furnace issues and keep you safe. By understanding how your furnace works, you can avoid problems in the future.