Unusual Furnace Noises and What They Mean

Depending on where you live, your furnace could be an essential element of your home during the winter months….
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Depending on where you live, your furnace could be an essential element of your home during the winter months. As a result, if you’ve been noticing a strange noise coming from your furnace, it’s important to investigate and determine the cause as soon as possible. A variety of issues can cause a furnace to make a strange noise, from loose parts to a problem with the combustion process. Additionally, other common causes of strange noises include a dirty filter, a disconnected duct, a malfunctioning blower, or a problem with the furnace’s burner.

The causes of strange noises coming from your furnace can range from minor to major problems. No matter what the cause, however, if you notice unusual furnace noises, it is imperative that you get it checked out as soon as possible. Let’s take a look at some strange noises your furnace might make.

Rumbling

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If you hear strange rumbling noises coming from your furnace, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the furnace motor. The motor is responsible for powering the furnace, so if it is not working properly, it can cause all sorts of problems. The rumbling noise could be a sign that the motor is getting too hot and is about to fail. It is important to have a furnace motor problem fixed as soon as possible, as it can cause the furnace to stop working altogether.

Rattling and Clanking

If you hear rattling and clanking noises coming from your furnace, it could be caused by a variety of problems. However, many times it signals an issue with a broken belt, a loose screw, or a malfunctioning fan. Ignoring the problem could lead to extensive damage and costly repairs. It’s important that you get these kinds of issues repaired as soon as possible.

The rattling and clanking noises could also be a sign that there is something blocking the airflow in the furnace, which could lead to an increased risk of a fire. If you are experiencing these noises, it’s imperative that you have a professional furnace technician inspect and repair your furnace as soon as possible.

Loud Humming

Loud humming is usually an indication that the furnace is working harder than it should be. In most cases, this is a sign that the furnace is either dirty or that there is something blocking the airflow. If you hear a loud humming noise coming from your furnace, you should check to make sure that there isn’t anything blocking the airflow. This includes checking the filter to make sure it’s not clogged and checking the vents to make sure they’re not blocked.

If you find that the air filter is clogged, you should replace it. If you find that the vents are blocked, you should clean them. If you find that there is nothing blocking the airflow, the next step is to clean the furnace. This can be done by vacuuming the inside of the furnace with a Shop-Vac. If the humming noise persists after cleaning the furnace, the next step is to call a furnace technician to inspect the furnace. There may be a problem that requires professional attention.

Whistling or Hissing

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If you hear a whistling or hissing noise when your furnace is turned on, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Since this could pose a serious risk to your home and family, it’s important that you pay close attention to this. If the noise is also accompanied by the smell of gas, it is strongly suggested that you evacuate the area and call the gas company as soon as possible. You also don’t want to turn on any lights or appliances if you smell gas. Since this can be a complicated issue, you should call the gas company to have them come out and check for a leak instead of trying to repair the problem yourself.

If you’ve been noticing a strange noise coming from your furnace, it’s important to investigate and determine the cause as soon as possible. This noise could be an indication that something is wrong with your furnace and needs to be fixed before it becomes a bigger problem.