Why Is My Furnace So Loud? Furnace Noises Explained

It’s essential to keep your home’s heating system running correctly to ensure the warmth and safety of your family all winter long. Minor problems that go unaddressed can lead to expensive and dangerous breakdowns. If your furnace isn’t running properly or producing odd sounds, it’s crucial to quickly identify and address the issue.

Furnaces Noises & Sounds: A Guide

It’s normal for your furnace to make some noise, but some sounds can indicate specific problems. Below are the most common sounds homeowners experience and the problems they may indicate.

Rattling

Several problems could cause your furnace to produce a rattling noise. Often, it’s as simple as a loose screw or panel that needs to be resecured. Other problems can be more serious.

When your furnace’s filter isn’t cleaned regularly, it can restrict airflow and cause a buildup of heat, which can crack your heat exchanger. A damaged heat exchanger creates that rattling sound you hear. This is dangerous, as it can cause a carbon monoxide leak, which can be lethal.

Buzzing and Humming

A variety of issues can cause a humming or buzzing sound in your furnace, from a damaged blower fan motor or capacitator to loose components or failing ductwork. A trained professional like those at P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling can quickly identify the source of the buzzing and humming and offer a reliable heating repair.

Banging or Knocking

Banging or knocking sounds often indicate a problem with your air ducts. This can be due to the change in pressure between supply and return ducts. It can also indicate parts of the ductwork have come loose or have weak spots. Sometimes, banging and knocking means your air ducts are undersized for your system.

Scraping

If you notice a scraping, metal-against-metal noise from your furnace, there’s a problem with the blower wheel. It’s likely out of alignment and needs to be assessed and readjusted by a professional technician.

Whistling

Typically, if you hear a whistling sound from your furnace, the system’s air filter is clogged and needs to be changed. Although this is a simple fix, it’s not one to be put off, as clogged filters can severely damage the system’s fan motor or heat exchanger.

Choose P.K Wadsworth Heating & Cooling for Professional Furnace Repairs

The experienced team at P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling is here to help you with all your heating and cooling needs in Greater Cleveland. With over 85 years in business, our highly trained and certified technicians are prepared to address various problems you may encounter.

We provide on-time and reliable services, with same-day service available. We also offer affordable maintenance plans to keep your home’s critical systems running correctly year-round.

Trust P.K. Wadsworth Heating & Cooling with all your HVAC needs — contact our team to schedule service today.