Annoying Furnace Noises And What They Mean

What’s that sound?

So many horror movies kick off the action with a strange noise coming from the basement.

While Michael Myers or Freddie Kruger may not be down there, the noises coming from your furnace can sound pretty scary, and they are something you should pay attention to. Some effort now can avoid more expensive problems later.

Here are four sounds you may hear, and how you should deal with them.

Banging or popping

If you hear this noise as your furnace is cycling on, please give us a call, as this sound generally requires immediate service. It may mean that your burner is having a hard time heating up enough to combust your oil or gas. If there is a fuel buildup, the excess propane or oil may be popped once the furnace gets hot enough for combustion.

Do you hear the noise when your furnace is cycling off? That may be coming from the ductwork, thanks to expanding or contracting with the changes in temperature. It is usually not a serious problem, but getting your ductwork maintained may help alleviate it. A dirty air filter could also be responsible for this sound, or a whistling noise as well. Remember to change your air filters often!

Rattling

If you hear a persistent rattling noise, it may be because the furnace blower motor is failing. Take this early warning seriously and contact Frank Lamparelli for a service call to prevent the blower motor from failing completely and leaving you in the cold. There may be less-serious issues, like unsealed ducts or debris in the heating system.

Squealing

If there’s dust and dirt built up on the moving parts in your furnace, or if they are not properly lubricated, that’s the most likely reason for the squealing. Make a service call request and we’ll take care of it. You can help prevent this squealing by explaining this sound to your service technician during your annual tune-up from Frank Lamparelli.

Clicking

This noise can be a few things: the ignitor, heat exchanger or flame sensor. Whatever it may be, contact Frank Lamparelli so we can address the issue.

If you have any questions about noises coming from your furnace, don’t hesitate to contact Frank Lamparelli. We’re here to help you this season – and beyond!