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6 Furnace Sounds And What They Mean

There was a time when furnaces used to make a lot of noise. Thankfully, the new-age furnaces are far less noisy. So, if you hear any unusual sound coming from your furnace, you must pay immediate attention to it. A furnace sound could be a warning sign of an upcoming problem that can be easily avoided if acted upon on time. In addition, ignoring an unusual furnace sound can lead to costly repairs. Let’s talk about six different furnace sounds that you should never ignore.

1. Metal Scraping

If you hear a strange sound from your furnace that is similar to metal scraping against metal, chances are that there is some issue with your furnace’s blower motor. The problem usually occurs when the motor comes off loose from the motor shaft and starts hitting or brushing against the furnace’s blower housing.

Avoid further damage by not ignoring the issue and having it corrected as soon as feasible. Ideally, you should turn off the furnace and call a furnace repair in Ridgefield, WA. If the issue is fixed in its initial stages, then all it might require is tightening the blower wheel screw. But if left unattended for long, you might have to get the entire blower motor assembly replaced.

2. Rattling

A rattling sound is usually caused due to loose bolts in the access hatch. The good thing is that you can easily fix the problem on your own by tightening the screws. All you need is a wrench, and you are good to go. But before you do that, make sure the furnace is switched off from the mains. Besides loose bolts, rattling sounds may also occur because of a cracked blower motor fan belt or because of a dirty burner that is directly connected to the gas line. Whatever the reason, hire an HVAC contractor in Ridgefield, WA, to identify and fix the problem on a timely basis.

3. Loud Bang, Boom, or Pop

It’s normal for furnaces to make a mild bang or pop sound. The sound is caused because of expansion and contraction of the air ducts. But sometimes a furnace might make a loud bang or pop sound. You would usually notice the sound when you turn on the furnace.

The issue occurs because of dirty air ducts or furnace burners. Dirty burners lead to delay in the ignition, and in the meantime, there’s a gas buildup that eventually leads to a small or mild blast when the burner finally turns on. This can be quite hazardous, and so it is important to ensure heating maintenance on a regular basis.

Note: If left unattended for long, the blasts can lead to a crack in the heat exchanger, which in turn can lead to costly heating repairs in Vancouver, Ridgefield, and surrounding areas.

4. Screeching or Whining

Have you heard a car make a high-pitched screeching or whining sound? Well, the furnaces tend to make a similar sound, and just like the car, furnaces make this sound when they have a loose belt. Have your furnace inspected as soon as possible, or you might end up with a broken belt. In the worst-case scenario, the damage might extend to the blower motor.

Another reason for a furnace to make a screeching or whining sound is a dry shaft bearing that can easily be avoided by regular cleaning. Thus, it is advised to ensure regular furnace maintenance.

5. Rumbling

If you heard a scary loud rumbling sound coming from your furnace, chances are that you have a dirty burner or dirty draft inducer. The sound might also occur because of a cracked heat exchanger or loose furnace panels banging against the furnace walls. And sometimes, the sound might also occur due to a problem with the pilot light. No matter what the reason, you must hire an HVAC contractor in Ridgefield, WA, to fix the issue on an immediately.

6. Clicking

If your furnace is making a clicking sound, then it could be a potential ignition system malfunction or internal part damage. For instance, if the sensor is dirty and covered with dirt, grime, or soot, it doesn’t trigger gas flow, and in the meanwhile, the spark igniter continues clicking. The same thing happens when there’s no gas supply because of a faulty gas valve that won’t open.

Besides these ignition system problems, the clicking may also be caused because of damage to an internal part such as the fan, motor, electrical component, or duct. Whatever the reason, contact an HVAC contractor in Woodland, WA, to diagnose and repair the problem.

Ignoring furnace related issues can lead to sudden breakdowns and might also require you to go for an early heating replacement in La Centre. To avoid these types of problems, ensure a timely furnace repair or service as soon as you start experiencing a furnace problem. If you are looking for an Ductless HVAC Service Ridgefield WA, Ridgefield, Woodland or nearby areas, then get in touch with us at All Around Mechanical. You can call us at (360) 896-2829 or send us an email at info@allaroundmech.com.