Why is my heating system making noise?

January 21, 2021

Your heater can keep you warm indoors even as temperatures drop during the winter. The last thing you want to experience is a heating malfunction at a crucial time when you need your unit most. Unfortunately, your furnace can at times backfire unexpectedly. When that happens, our skilled and seasoned team will be there for you. At Vastola Heating & Cooling, we offer top-grade furnace repairs in Erie County & the surrounding areas. Our certified technicians are capable of correctly diagnosing the problem with your machine. You may at times notice that your furnace keeps emitting strange sounds. We can identify the different noises coming from your unit and accurately troubleshoot the underlying issue. Trust our team to get the job done properly on the first try. Pay attention to any signs that your unit may be malfunctioning and let us handle the rest.

Here are eight types of noises that your faulty furnace may make.

1. Loud Banging

If your unit is making banging noises, there could be a problem with the ignition system. A heater that uses a standing pilot light will need to heat the burners sufficiently to work. A weak flame will not heat the thermocouple properly. It is important to inspect the gas valve and make sure that enough fuel is flowing to the furnace. Watch out to see if the pilot flame is yellow or discolored.

2. High-Pitched Whistling

If you notice that your heating system keeps whistling, there could be something blocking your equipment’s airflow. This could mean that your air filters are clogged. Inspect this fixture and watch out for the accumulation of dust and other debris. Dirty filters can lead to short heating cycles. If your unit is not cycling for the right amount of time, your utility bills may spike suddenly.

3. Dull Clunking

You may also start hearing some dull clunking emerging from your furnace. This usually means that there is a problem with your fan. If the fan blades are misaligned or bent, they may strike the walls or other parts of the furnace. It is important to tighten every nut and bolt to make sure that the blades are set in place.

4. Resonant Rumbling

A whooshing or roaring sound from your furnace is usually considered normal and expected. If this turns into a low rumbling sound, it may mean that your burners are failing. Check to ensure that the burners do not stay lit even after you’ve switched off the machine. Clear any fuel from the combustion chamber. Burners that light incessantly may lead to carbon monoxide spreading throughout your surroundings.

5. Steady Humming

It is standard for your furnace to produce a humming sound as it works. However, if the humming gets loud or doesn’t subside, it makes sense to inspect your unit for several common issues. One of them is a malfunctioning motor. It is also a good idea to check the fan to make sure that it is not worn out.

6. Sharp Scraping

A scraping sound could indicate that there is an element that has come loose in your furnace. This may sound like a piece of metal is rubbing against another fixture. Inspect the fan blades to make sure that they are secured in place. It is beneficial to tighten all components of your furnace as they can also loosen and scrape against each other.

7. Rapid Crackling

In another scenario, you may hear crackling noises from your heater. This usually happens if your unit has a hot element that is cooling down. Check your unit for any signs that it may be overheating. Inspect the sensor and make certain that it is working well. Moreover, you can watch out for restricted airflow or a dirty air filter.

8. Continuous Rattling

If your air ducts are rattling, there could be a loose component that is causing the disturbance. It is important to make sure that your air ducts are well installed since this could prove to be costly. Improperly secured ducts could lead to excessive utility bills and insufficient heating in the household.

Dependable, Proficient, Quality Heating Repairs

Whenever you need to guarantee some indoor comfort that will last all year round, we have what it takes to meet your demands. Our technicians can troubleshoot your equipment and repair any type of failure regardless of the size or scope. If your heating or cooling system starts malfunctioning suddenly, please call us at Vastola Heating & Cooling today and we’ll get your Orchard Park equipment operating as it should.

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