Common Furnace Noises to Listen for Which Could Mean Trouble

You expect to hear noise from your home furnace during the heating season. But there are noises that you probably shouldn’t hear… and which you definitely shouldn’t ignore. Odd sounds coming from your furnace are often early signals of developing troubles that could lead to expensive repairs or a complete shutdown. The issue may be a small one, but even the smallest trouble can start to cause wear and tear on your furnace that will lead to further problems or even safety concerns.

As the weather starts to turn colder, your furnace is a vital part of keeping you comfortable at home. Don’t let warning sounds go by with a shrug: call in professionals to find out what’s wrong and what needs to get done. Celco, furnace repair specialists, like those at Celco Heating and Air Conditioning can stop the trouble before you get stuck in an icy house waiting for emergency service.

Some common furnace warning noises:

Groaning: This is probably an issue with the motor bearings—they’ve become worn down and will need replacement. Get this done as soon as possible before the whole motor needs replacement.

Clanking or Squealing: The likely suspect here is a cracked or loose blower motor fan belt. This is a serious issue that must receive attention immediately because a loose belt will damage other components.

Rumbling: If you hear a rumbling sound deep inside the furnace, it may mean that the burner is dirty. Make sure you schedule regular maintenance to avoid this.

Loud clicking and clacking: This sound could be as simple as loose outside panels that need to be screwed down. However, if the panels are secure, then the sound could indicate a crack in the heat exchanger, which is a major problem that could pose health risks. Shut down your furnace right away (at the circuit breaker) and call in a professional.

No matter what sound you hear, do not to open the cabinet of your furnace and attempt to diagnose the source on your own. Doing this can expose you to a high voltage shock or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect a serious repair issue, shut down the furnace and get an HVAC technician in to handle the work.

Celco Heating and Air Conditioning has 35 years of experience installing and repairing all types of furnaces. Electric, natural gas, propane, oil… if you’ve got a furnace, we can take care of it. The next time you need furnace repair in Celco, contact us.