Your furnace needs to run in perfect condition to ensure your home is as cozy as possible. But, sometimes, furnaces can turn noisy all of a sudden and homeowners are not aware of the causes and their fixes. A noisy furnace could be due to a variety of reasons and they don’t go away on their own so hiring furnace repair services is necessary. Below are the causes of a noisy furnace along with some troubleshooting tips for you to get it running back to normal in no time.

Causes Of A Noisy Furnace

Small Holes Or Gaps In Your Ductwork

If your furnace is making a noise, it does not necessarily mean something is wrong with its components. Sometimes, ductwork or other components attached to the furnace itself can create unusual sounds. The ductwork is responsible for carrying and distributing equal warmth in the entire house.

If you turn on the furnace and start hearing a whistling sound all of a sudden, you should know there is probably a leakage or gap somewhere. It is quite normal for ductworks to experience such issues as birds and other intruders tend to find warm accommodations to raise their offspring.

Plus, they prefer a place where human traffic is close to zero. This means that you will need to inspect the ductwork and try to find the gap or leakage. Sometimes, it can be a complicated process to do so as leakages are usually small in the beginning.

If possible, consult an expert who will perform a thorough inspection of the HVAC system using special tools to find out the exact source of the problem. At the same time, you should also make sure to perform maintenance regularly to ensure the ductwork is free of unwelcomed guests and dirt and dust accumulations.

Clogged Filter

A clogged filter is another reason your furnace might be making an unusual whistling sound. Filters are located inside the furnace and are designed to purify air before it is circulated inside the house. This helps people with chronic respiratory problems to avoid complications.

Unfortunately, not many people realize the importance and underestimate the value of a functional filter. As a result, the filter remains clogged for ages until someone decides to clean it. A clogged filter will not only contaminate the air but also make it difficult for the furnace to breathe. It can lead to frequent HVAC breakdowns.

With clogged filters, the system will also consume more electricity than usual and result in a hike in the monthly bills. So, do not be surprised if you have to pay more than usual all of a sudden. If you come across a whistling sound, you will need to shut down the furnace immediately and check the filters.

If the filters happen to be clogged, clean them thoroughly. But if the furnace happens to be old, the filters might be cracked or damaged. In such a case, you will need to replace the filters. Keep in mind that filters look more or less the same. You cannot opt for a cheap filter and expect good quality air.

Go through the user’s manual or consult the manufacturer to opt for the exact replacement.

Ductwork Is Vibrating

Ductwork installation in itself is a skilled task. If it is not properly installed, it will vibrate as the air passes through it. The movement creates a rattling or banging sound. This case is usually common in older furnaces and ductwork systems that have not been maintained properly.

Plus, insufficient insulation can also add to the noise. Sometimes, the banging noise in the ductwork can also take place due to pressure changes between return and supply ducts. This usually happens when the ductwork has a weak point and needs reinforcement. So, inspect the ductwork for problems.

On the other hand, you should keep in mind that older ducts tend to produce a slight banging sound due to wear and tear with time. This does not always mean they are compromised and need fixing. But if the ductwork is producing a continuous banging sound, you should try to follow it and try to find out the source.

However, this issue should be addressed by a professional who will go through the entire system and find out the root cause of the problem.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

A crack in the heat exchanger can be a serious and dangerous issue and can produce a distinctive popping or clicking sound. A heat exchanger plays a vital role in distributing warm air in the house. If it happens to crack, it will cause the metal to expand and contract, leading to unusual sounds.

This is a serious issue and you should call in HVAC companies Port Jefferson to fix it immediately as it can lead to carbon monoxide leakage. Carbon monoxide, also known as the “Silent Killer”, is both invisible and odorless. If you start to feel dizzy, it means there is most probably a leakage and you will need to shut down the furnace immediately.

Dirty Burners

Dirty burners can create a range of unusual noises in a furnace. If the burners of the furnace are covered with soot, dirt, and debris, it will not allow the furnace to ignite properly. As a result, when the burners light up, they can create rumbling or popping sounds.

This also affects the efficiency of the furnace as it fails to ignite properly. To fix and prevent this issue, you should perform routine maintenance. This does not require a professional to do it every single time. All you need to do is consult the user manual, locate the burners, and use a cleaning agent to clean the furnace and the burners.

How To Prevent Or Fix A Furnace’s Unusual Sounds?

Preventing furnace issues is a lot easier than getting them fixed down the road. Furnaces are not complicated machines and need regular care and maintenance to keep working like brand new. Even if you maintain your furnace, you can still expect some unusual sounds as wear and tear with time takes a toll on the components.

But you should schedule professional maintenance, especially if the furnace is used almost throughout the year. As a general rule of thumb, you should get it maintained at least twice every year. Instead of considering it an expense, you should take it as an investment to keep future problems at bay.

Plus, opt for a certified professional who guarantees high-quality work and keeps your furnace running without any problems.

Conclusion

Unusual furnace noises should not create panic. If you are already prepared and familiar with the troubleshooting tips, you will get the issue fixed out in no time. But you need to keep a close eye on any unusual signs & symptoms and hire furnace services Huntington to keep the furnace running without any minor or major issues.