4 Common Furnace Noises and what they Mean

01 Mar 4 Common Furnace Noises and what they Mean

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Remember that scene from Home Alone when Kevin is in the basement doing laundry, and the furnace starts making strange sounds along with a devilish look? Well, while your furnace won’t actually come alive like the one in the McCallister’s basement, strange furnace noises are common, especially when there is a problem with your unit. Find out about four noises your furnace might make and what those sounds mean.

1. Rattling and Vibration Sounds

If your furnace makes rattling or vibration sounds, it could have some loose ductwork. You could add some screws or just use duct tape to any areas that look loose. Or your furnace may be sitting on an uneven surface. Use a pry bar to lift up your furnace and slide some cork or felt pads underneath to stabilize it.

2. Banging Noise when Furnace is On

If you hear a loud banging noise when you turn on your furnace, it could indicate one of two things: 1) either it is “oil-canning” or 2) it is experiencing “ignition roll-out.” Oil-canning occurs when there are weak spots in the ductwork, and the material is flexing as the temperature fluctuate. If you are certain that this is what is causing the problem, you can reinforce weak ductwork by adding thicker pieces of metal over the problem areas. If, however, the loud banging is due to ignition roll-out, then you have a much bigger and potentially hazardous problem on your hands. It is best to have an HVAC repair company to come out and take a look. Newer furnaces have an automatic shutdown feature that kicks in, which means that your unit won’t run anyways. It’s best to go ahead and call the pros.

3. Whistling Noise

Whistling noises often are heard when there are problems with the ductwork. But don’t worry, it usually is a simple fix. Inspect your ductwork to narrow down where the noise is coming from. It often is an indicator of loose or detached ductwork, which can be easily reconnected or patched. Start by checking around where the ductwork connects to the furnace.

If you do not notice anything unusual, check to see if the air filter might be clogged and in need of changing. A dirty air filter can hinder airflow, causing that whitling noise when the unit is operating.

4. Noise from the Motor

If the noise sounds like it is coming from the furnace motor, it could need stabilizing. The noise also could be because of loose bearings on the motor itself, which could cause a vibration sound as the unit is running. If you are able to do this yourself, it is an easy task, or you can contact the pros at Thompson Electrical Service to look into the problem and ensure it is fixed correctly.

For most homeowners, it can be challenging to pinpoint the cause of strange sounds coming from the furnace. That is why the professionals at Thompson Electrical Service can troubleshoot the problem for you, and provide a simple solution to keep you warm throughout the cold winter months. Call us today at (423) 343-5726 to schedule an appointment. We provide HVAC maintenance and installation services to homes and businesses in Kingsport and Johnson City, TN.