Whether you have just invested in a new heating system for your home or you’ve had the same system for years, it isn’t uncommon to hear sounds coming from your furnace. While some of these sounds might seem daunting, some of them are normal sounds from a well-functioning system. However, some furnace sounds do indicate a problem within the system that requires attention from your HVAC professional.
At Ridgeline Heating and Cooling, we understand how startling some of these sounds may be, especially if you’ve never experienced them before. However, to ease your mind, we have compiled a list of the eight most common noises and what might be causing them. If you’re hearing sounds coming from your furnace and you aren’t sure if you should call a professional for help, keep reading.
1. Humming
Humming sounds coming from your furnace are often an indication of a problem that might be difficult to address without the help of an HVAC professional. In many cases, the cause of this sound is a motor within your system. Whether it is a blower motor or a draft inducer blower, these need to be replaced in order for the system to function properly.
These sounds may also be caused by a blockage within your ductwork or a problem with the fan blades. Regardless of what is causing this noise, hearing it indicates that it is time to call your trusted HVAC professional. They can help you address the cause of this noise and make any necessary replacements.
2. Popping
If you’ve recently made the investment in a new, higher-efficiency furnace for your home, you may notice that it has begun making a popping sound. While it might be concerning because you’ve never heard it before, don’t worry. These popping sounds coming from your furnace are common, especially if your previous furnace was older and its replacement is much newer and stronger.
As the new system kicks on, the popping sounds may begin. These sounds don’t indicate a problem and instead are likely coming from the metal ductwork attached to the furnace. As they expand from the blowing motor, they may make a few popping sounds. These popping noises should quiet down once the ductwork has expanded and aren’t something you should be concerned about.
3. Banging
While many of the sounds coming from your furnace may be ignored or labeled normal, functioning sounds, the one you should pay the most attention to is any banging or booming sounds. These sounds may indicate a problem with the ignition system in your furnace and need to be addressed by an HVAC professional as soon as possible.
If your furnace doesn’t light up immediately after gas is released into the system, this gas can continue to build up as the system reattempts to light. If you don’t address this banging sound as soon as possible, it may lead to costly repairs to your system. To avoid unnecessary damage, it is best to call your HVAC professional as soon as possible for furnace repairs.
4. Crackling
Crackling sounds coming from your furnace may seem like the kind of noise that requires immediate attention. However, this sound is far more common than you might think and doesn’t mean there is a problem with the furnace. Many homeowners notice this crackling noise just after the furnace has turned off.
Don’t let these sounds scare you. They are often a result of the system cooling down after running. As the metal components cool, they may begin to make this noise. After a few minutes of crackling, you should notice this sound dying down. If you’ve recently upgraded your furnace or have only just started to notice these sounds, don’t worry. They’re completely normal.
5. Rattling
Sometimes rattling sounds coming from your furnace are an indication that there are a few loose components. However, some of these rattling sounds may indicate a much larger problem within your furnace. To begin assessing the problem, try to identify the location of the sound. This will help you determine the repairs required for the system.
Sometimes these repairs are as simple as replacing your air filters; some of these sounds lead to more costly repairs. If you are dealing with a rattling noise, it is in your best interest to reach out to your HVAC team. When they visit, they can determine which repairs are required before the problem gets any worse.
Address Sounds Coming from Your Furnace with Ridgeline Heating and Cooling
Whether you hear sounds coming from your furnace or it isn’t working as well as normal, having a trustworthy HVAC team to lean on at these moments is essential. At Ridgeline Heating and Cooling, our team of experts has over 50 years of combined experience, making them the perfect team for all of your heating and cooling needs.
No matter what sounds you are hearing, our team can help you quickly address them to ensure your system is running smoothly. In addition to our furnace repair services, our team offers ductless HVAC installation, fireplace installation and repairs, and much more. If you hear sounds coming from your furnace and you aren’t sure what to do, don’t hesitate to contact our team for help.
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