Getting your furnace in shape for peak heating season is essential when the winter temperatures are on their way to Winston-Salem. If you notice strange furnace noises, learn about what common noises may signal, why it’s important to address weird noises, and how the QRC team can help.
Common Furnace Noises and Their Causes
Furnaces aren’t completely silent and some sounds are normal. However, new, loud, or odd noises require professional attention.
Clicking
Expect a clicking at the start of the heating cycle — this sound is the igniter attempting to light the furnace. If the clicking continues or isn’t followed by the furnace igniting, components such as the ignition control board, thermocouple, gas valve, or burners may be faulty.
Banging or Booming
Banging and booming at the start of the heating cycle stem from problems associated with your furnace’s ignition and may follow the clicking sounds described above. Usually, the electric igniter or pilot light ignites gas when the valve opens. If a defective igniter, weak pilot light, burner malfunction, low gas pressure problems even slightly delay this process, flammable gas may collect in the combustion chamber. When it lights, the bangs or booms radiate through the furnace and ductwork.
Popping
Loud popping or banging sounds may occur intermittently if your ductwork expands and contracts. Most common with furnace and central HVAC setups, hot and cool air running through the ductwork causes positive and negative pressure that expands and contracts the ducts.
Rattling
Rattling noises from your furnace come from loose or broken panels, screws, or other parts as well as inducer motor issues. Loose parts may also vibrate and cause buzzing or rumbling furnace sounds. Rattling may also indicate leaking or cracked heat exchangers, which can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home.
Humming
Minor humming during furnace cycles is normal. If the sound grows or becomes more like buzzing, the blower motor components, transformer, or other electrical parts may be failing.
Squealing or Whistling
High-pitched squealing, screeching, or whistling hints at several potential problems. Whistling often indicates airflow problems, such as a blocked duct or dirty filter, while damaged or loose belts, blower motor problems, and worn bearings cause squealing and screeching. Hissing is less common but urgent since it may indicate a gas leak.
Beeping
Modern furnaces are equipped with beepers or notification sensors to alert you to maintenance or repair needs. Beeping may only indicate basic tune-up tasks, such as air filter replacements, low thermostat batteries, or dirty sensors, while persistent beeping could mean your system needs a closer inspection for underlying problems.
Troubleshooting Furnace Noises: What You Can Do
Try these troubleshooting steps to help identify the source of the noise:
- Check the thermostat: Ensure your thermostat has fresh batteries and check that its settings are correct — faulty thermostats may lead to abnormal furnace operation.
- Inspect air filters: Replace dirty or clogged air filters.
- Examine vents: Open vents and remove obstructions affecting proper airflow.
Is it a Minor Issue or a Major Problem? When to Call for Professional Furnace Repair
Regardless of how severe your furnace problem is, prompt repair is important for the health of your household and furnace system. Some noises, however, demand more urgent attention than others.
Firstly, consider the type of noise — for example, a click at the start of the cycle is normal, but banging or booming isn’t. Popping sounds aren’t an urgent concern if they’re from ductwork contractions but still require inspection. Otherwise, banging, rattling, and squealing all indicate broken or faulty components that can quickly damage your system further or even pose safety concerns.
One-off noises aren’t usually a major cause for concern, but persistent sounds signal more significant problems. Consider how noises correlate to your furnace’s performance — if it seems to strain to heat your home, an underlying problem may link these symptoms. Certain signs may need emergency attention and evacuation, such as gas smells or other unusual odors.
The Cost of Ignoring Furnace Noises
Ignoring furnace noises may have significant consequences. Some sounds are directly associated with cracked heat exchangers, which allow carbon monoxide and other combustion products to circulate throughout your home, and other noises may signal gas leaks. In general, abnormal noises are likely to damage your system further, resulting in higher repair costs and posing a constant threat to your household’s health and safety.
Benefits of Prompt Furnace Repair
In addition to mitigating potentially higher repair costs, promptly addressing weird noises from your furnace provides several benefits, including:
- Improved performance: Resolving underlying problems linked to strange noises keeps your furnace running smoothly and reliably, allowing for optimal heating performance and comfort.
- Increased efficiency: A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, keeping utility bills in check.
- Prolonged lifespan: Timely repairs prevent further and sometimes irreversible damage, extending your system’s lifespan and saving money on premature replacements.
- Enhanced safety: Swift repairs minimize the risk of dangerous concerns, such as gas or carbon monoxide leaks.
Choosing a Reliable Furnace Repair Company
A reliable furnace repair company is the best way to ensure the safety and performance of your heating equipment.
Look for a provider with a proven history of high-quality customer service and workmanship. At QRC, our team has decades of combined experience serving the Winston-Salem community. Fully licensed and insured, our HVAC technicians adhere to safety standards with every repair.
Another good sign is customer testimonials — positive reviews are a testament to the quality of a furnace repair company’s services. For example, QRC ensures customer satisfaction with tailored services, comprehensive maintenance programs, and transparent estimates and communication.
Rely on QRC for Furnace Repair in Winston-Salem
Strange furnace noises aren’t just disruptive — they can signal threats to both heating performance and your household’s safety. With decades serving Winston-Salem, QRC is the go-to provider for furnace repairs and other home services — contact us or schedule online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I have ductwork problems?
Ductwork problems often lead to strange noises, uneven heating, reduced airflow, and unpleasant odors. Inspect your ductwork for visible damage or blockages, and contact a pro for repair.
How do dirty burners affect my furnace?
Dirty burners cause incomplete combustion, resulting in reduced heating capability and furnace strain. In some cases, dirty burners cause small explosions in the combustion chamber and may damage the heat exchanger and other parts.