We’ve got some news—it’s not necessarily bad news, but depending on how you look at it, it can be disappointing—there’s no such thing as a silent furnace. We wish this were the case, and there are definitely some advancements being made in recent years to make them quieter, but overall, you can expect to hear it when your system is starting up, shutting down, and running in general.
What you should be concerned about, are noises that are unfamiliar and loud coming from your furnace. Anything outside of the normal operation sounds are cause for concern. What, specifically, do we mean? Read on to learn more!
Screeching
A loud screeching sound is probably a sign that your furnace’s blower motor isn’t working as it should. A malfunctioning blower motor means the heat produced by your furnace won’t be able to circulate warm air around your home as it should.
This could mean that your blower motor needs lubrication, but it may also suggest the fan has stopped altogether. To properly diagnose the problem, it’s important that you have a professionally trained technician inspect your system. Once the issue is properly diagnosed, we’ll be able to advise you on the next best steps.
Clanking
If you hear something that resembles metal-on-metal, you probably are hearing metal-on-metal. As you may have guessed, this indicates a pretty serious problem. It may be an issue with the furnace’s blower wheel coming, loose, or another component breaking off.
If you hear this noise, please turn off your furnace and contact a pro right away so you can prevent further damage. More damage to your furnace means more damage to your budget, too.
Banging or Booming
Usually, if you hear something like a “bang” or a “boom” shortly after your furnace starts up, it’s indicative of dirty burners. This may not sound like a problem, but it is. The noise you’re hearing is caused by a delay in ignition due to dirt and buildup. The gas builds up, and when it ignites, a small explosion occurs within the furnace.
Attempting to clean the burners on your own is not recommended. There is a lot of room for error, and you don’t want to spend more money in the long run. It’s always better to call in a pro, particularly when dealing with a gas-powered appliance.
Rattling or Clicking
Rattling may not seem like a very threatening noise. But if you hear a rattle coming from your furnace, it shouldn’t be brushed off. A rattle can be caused by many things—perhaps a loose panel or screw, which is relatively minor. But it may instead be a cracked or broken heat exchanger causing the noise.
Another common noise heard with this particular issue is clicking. And a cracked heat exchanger is a lot more ominous than it sounds—it allows for dangerous carbon monoxide gas to leak into your home. If you hear rattling or clicking, or suspect a problem with your heat exchanger, then you need to shut off your furnace right away and contact the pros.
When you need trustworthy furnace repairs in Sacramento, contact “The Guys in the Big Red Trucks,” Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, Inc.