Have you ever been home alone and gotten paranoid that someone else was there because you kept hearing noises? Loud thumps, humming, and a series of pops are familiar sounds in many American homes. The culprit? Your HVAC system! Sometimes your system can feel like having a roommate with all the noise coming from HVAC units.
It can be challenging to tell if your furnace is louder than usual or if you hear an unusual sound. If you’re Googling “strange noise from furnace,” chances are this noise isn’t familiar. This might indicate that your furnace needs immediate attention or some routine maintenance. Read on about noises from HVAC systems, how to handle them, and when to call a professional!
What are Good Furnace Noises?
What are Good Furnace Noises?A humming or buzzing noise while your machine operates is normal; it signals a happy, healthy furnace. It is just singing for you as it runs to keep your home warm or cool! Clicking sounds when your HVAC starts to run are very typical as well. It is just the sound of the igniter hard at work! Banging sounds and popping noises are also standard when it comes to furnaces. This is likely the ductwork expanding and contracting as different temperatures of air move through it.
Concerning HVAC Noises
While some noises are happy, hearing these sounds at a high volume is dangerous. Other abrupt noises can be bad news as well. Are you still thinking about the strange noise from the furnace? It might be a cause for concern. Here are a few red-flag sounds that need immediate attention from an HVAC professional.
Loud Pops or Bangs as it Turns On
Some popping and banging ductwork noises are perfectly acceptable. However, any loud version of these sounds, especially as the unit fires up, is an issue. It could mean that the ducts need repairing or you have a clogged air filter. A technician checks all of this during yearly maintenance for your system; it could be a problem that some time has passed since your last tune-up.
A dirty furnace burner is another cause of a loud popping or banging noise coming from HVAC systems. This results in a delay in the ignition, which allows gas to build up. Upon the eventual ignition, there is a loud sound – an explosion. This can crack your heat exchanger, harm your system, and be a costly fix. This problem needs immediate attention from a professional.
Squealing Noises
Squealing NoisesA squealing noise coming from HVAC systems can mean a variety of things – none of them a good sign. Squealing is usually an indicator of a worn-out part. This could be a blower belt or blower motor. These parts help power your system and need replacement if they are too thin or out of alignment. It could also be the ball bearings that hold your motor in place. They can wear out or become loose over time, which results in a squeaking or squealing noise.
Scraping Sounds
Hearing scraping sounds throughout your home is not only concerning for your furnace but also miserable for your ears! If you hear a scraping noise coming from HVAC systems, there may be a blower wheel problem. It could mean a loose wheel is scraping as it pounds against the casing, producing a terrible metal-on-metal rubbing noise. Alternatively, your blower wheel may be completely broken and need replacement. Switch the unit off immediately if you hear this strange noise from the furnace.
How To Fix Your HVAC Noise Problem?
How To Fix Your HVAC Noise Problem? HVAC systems are one of the priciest investments a homeowner makes. Knowing when to call a professional rather than try a DIY fix is necessary. With furnaces, most problems should be handled by experts. The first and the best thing you can do to help the situation is to immediately shut off your unit if you hear a strange noise from the furnace. Second, head to your phone and call an HVAC maintenance specialist before you turn it on again!
How Do You Prevent Furnace Failure?
The best way to ensure that you never hear a strange noise from the furnace is to prevent it from happening in the first place. The easiest step you can take is to schedule routine HVAC maintenance. Your furnace should be inspected and tuned up by a professional once a year at minimum. This allows a seasoned eye to identify any parts that show signs of wear or potential problems, clean or replace filters, and make recommendations as to what you can do to improve your furnace’s health and effectiveness. It keeps your unit from even starting to make strange noises in the first place!
Benefits of Regular Furnace Maintenance
Yearly furnace maintenance improves the efficiency of your appliance. Everything will run smoothly, which saves money on your bills and reduce your environmental footprint. It also extends your unit’s lifetime by keeping it healthy, saving your budget and stress in the long run. A maintenance routine also keeps your unit functioning safely and without malfunctions. This ultimately keeps your home and your family safe. Regular servicing ensures you have premium air quality and a cleaner home.
How Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help Fix your Furnace
Are you hearing unusual or strange noises coming from your HVAC and can’t get to the bottom of the problem? Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help! We have been heating and cooling homes in the Tri-Cities, Washington area for over 30 years. With over 1000 years of collective experience amongst our team of experts, we can truly solve any furnace problem! Our professionals perform routine maintenance for all HVAC systems, respond quickly to any issues, and recommend steps you can take within your budget. Visit our website for more information or to contact us. If you need an HVAC system check, fill out our maintenance request form – we will contact you shortly!
