Banging, Hissing and Rattling: What Six Typical Furnace Noises Mean

When your furnace is running properly, it should give warm air without creating too much noise. While it’s common to notice your furnace making noise as it starts up, other disruptions are signaling your furnace requires immediate professional assistance.

Here are some of the most reported furnace noises and what they could mean. If your furnace is making an atypical noise, our friendly heating specialists are here to help with the best furnace repair in Odessa, Texas.

1. Furnace Making a Banging Noise

You could have an urgent situation on your hands if you’re hearing your furnace making a banging noise. If your furnace is making a knocking noise, it can indicate there could be several problems. These involve gas increasing in your furnace or a ductwork issue.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Furnace

Your heating system turns grimy over the years, so that’s why it’s important to set seasonal furnace maintenance with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. One of the things our pros perform during this appointment is clean your furnace’s burners. When this component gets grubby, you may hear your furnace making a loud rumbling noise when ignition takes more time. The ensuing gas buildup may break your furnace’s heat exchanger, where natural gas turns into warm air. Any cracks in it can discharge carbon monoxide, which is normally released outside. This toxic gas can be fatal in large concentrations.

If you’re aware of banging or knocking sounds coming from your furnace, Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning recommends turning it off and contacting us at 432-237-0168. Significant natural gas in your furnace or a ruptured heat exchanger are critical troubles that necessitate immediate attention.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Ductwork

Your furnace uses ductwork to deliver hot air throughout your residence. If the ductwork wasn’t put in correctly or is getting dated, it can be noisy when your furnace runs. This could be the issue if your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off. Call Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning at 432-237-0168 and we’ll pinpoint the problem.

2. Furnace Makes a Buzzing Sound

If you notice your furnace making a buzzing noise, don’t wait to call us. A buzzing sound often means there’s an electrical issue, like with its transformer, blower motor or capacitor.

Your furnace relies on an internal transformer to work on the right voltage. If wires or the box isn’t tight enough, you might hear a low humming noise in the furnace when off. Your furnace also works with a blower motor, which distributes heated or cooled air throughout your space, and a capacitor, which starts the motor. If either of these pieces are failing, they will buzz when the furnace turns on.

3. Furnace Making a Rattling Noise

If your furnace is making a rattling noise, it may be the result of something little, like an unfastened screw, or something serious, like a broken component. In either case, we recommend shutting off your furnace and getting in touch with our heating specialists at 432-237-0168 for assistance.

4. Furnace Making a Squealing Noise

If your furnace makes a high-pitched noise, like squealing, when it’s going, it’s making an effort to get your attention it requires some TLC. If you’ve neglected furnace maintenance the past few years, belts could be worn down or a bearing may need to be greased. We realize that maintenance often slips your mind, but our professionals can get your furnace running quietly again quickly.

5. Furnace Making a Whistling Noise

When you’re detecting your furnace making a whistling noise, it’s likely the result of an air leak in your ductwork. You could also be aware of whistling while the furnace is running if a floor vent isn’t tight. If you’ve examined your vents but are still sensing sound, Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning can help. It’s critical to get loose ductwork taken care of without delay, as it can make comfort troubles in your home and increase your utility bills.

6. Furnace Makes a Loud, Unpleasant Grinding Noise

It’s not an encouraging sign if you hear your furnace making a grinding noise. This metal-on-metal racket often means there’s trouble with your furnace’s blower. Turn off your furnace off now and reach us at 432-237-0168 for help.

When you’re getting a strange noise from your furnace, Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning is here to provide assistance. Contact us at 432-237-0168 to schedule your furnace repair appointment today.