What to Do if Your Furnace is Making a Loud Noise and What Does it Mean?

As the cooler season calls for your furnace to be running, it can be unsettling when it starts making noises. While some creaks and hums are normal, loud, new or unexpected sounds can be a sign that there is more going on than meets the eye! It’s always a good idea to investigate a new sound, especially if your furnace stops working. 

Here are possibilities of what that loud noise can mean:

A high-pitched squeal: If it sounds like nails on a chalkboard, you may have a belt issue or a problem with any of your furnace’s moving parts. Don’t just cover your ears and ignore this issue as it could lead to even more issues. 

Scraping sounds: Ball bearings may be behind this noise or your blower wheel may have become loose. If you catch it early and it is the blower wheel, it may be a quick fix.

Rattle, rattle: This type of sound typically means something is loose, such as a panel or even a screw. If you can find it and you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may be able to tighten it on your own. 

Popping up: While air temperature changes in your ductwork can cause normal pops, loud, different or new popping can be a sign of your older furnace’s gas burners having buildup. 

Humming noises: If that hum seems different or is more noticeable than when your furnace is just running and circulating warm air throughout your home, it could be that your blower fan is breaking down.

Whistling air: You may have restricted airflow when you hear whistling, so check your air filter and change it to help keep your warm air flowing freely.

Anything loud: Sudden and strong booms or bangs are a concern as there may be a gas buildup somewhere in your system from a furnace issue. It is best to turn off your furnace and reach out to our Van Drunen Heating and Air Conditioning team right away to prevent an emergency.

Professionals Can Diagnose Those New Noises

As gas is part of the equation, it is best to contact a professional technician when you are worried about your furnace. Sounds are often a sign of a breakdown and need for a repair. We have years of experience to listen to you and your furnace to help keep you warm and cozy during the cooler days. 

We keep many parts and supplies on-hand, so that we can repair your furnace as soon as possible. As always, a maintenance plan can be helpful to watch for issues and prevent sounds and the need for repairs. We can help put a strategy into place.

As a Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana company for more than 50 years, we are proud of our service to our customers around the region. If you have questions about your water heater, reach out via our online form.