Sounds That Signal your Furnace is Failing
We all rely on our furnaces to get us through the winter, but sometimes they can let us down. If your furnace starts making any strange new noises, it's a sign that something is wrong, and it may be time for furnace repair.
These sounds can be anything from loud banging to screeching or hissing, and they're usually a pretty good indication that your furnace is on its way out. If you start hearing any of these sounds coming from your furnace, make sure to call a professional for help before it's too late!
We recently wrote a post on sounds that signal the furnace is failing to help our customers/clients learn more about furnace failure sounds. Some of the topics that were covered were the sounds you shouldn't ignore from a furnace, such as a whistle, hissing, rumbling, and more noises.
6 Furnace Sounds You Should Never Ignore
Rumbling Sound
If your furnace is producing a rumbling noise, it could be due to a problem with the motor bearings. If you have a gas furnace, the burner or pilot light may also be to blame. In some cases, unburnt fuel in the combustion chamber can cause a rumbling noise even after the furnace has been turned off.
Rattling or Banging Noises
A rattling or banging noise is one of the most common sounds associated with a furnace that is beginning to fail. If you suddenly start hearing strange noises coming from your furnace, it could be a sign that something is wrong. A rattling sound could indicate a problem with the heat exchanger. This is a very serious issue because it could lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
Clicking Noises
Clicking noises are usually caused by a build-up of dirt or grease on the inducer blower or fan shaft. If the shaft of the main blower motor is rusted or dirty, the bearings might click as the furnace runs. This can be fixed by cleaning the blower and shaft with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
Hissing Noises
A hissing noise is usually nothing to be concerned about and is simply the sound of gas passing through the unit. However, if the noise is excessively loud or seems to be getting louder over time, it could signify a gas leak somewhere in the ductwork. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area immediately and call your local utility company.
Whistling Noises
If you start to hear a high-pitched whistling noise coming from your furnace, it's a sign that there is something wrong with the airflow. This could be caused by a number of things, such as a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or even a cracked heat exchanger. It may indicate that your furnace is beginning to fail.
High-pitched Squealing Noise
If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise coming from your furnace, it is likely due to an underlying problem with the blower. The blower is powered by a motor. The bearings in this motor can wear out over time, or they may become overheated. Overheating is often caused by dirt buildup or a bad capacitor.
To learn more about furnaces, make sure to follow us on social media and check out our blog at https://lynnswinnipeg.ca/blog/, where we talk about how a furnace works and many more about home furnaces.
