When the furnace kicks on, the only sounds you should hear are a few clicks and perhaps a low hum as the blowers push the warm air through the ducts. You shouldn’t notice the heater making loud noises like banging, rattling, screeching, or whistling.
Unusual heating system sounds indicate an issue that requires attention. In some cases, you might be able to restore silence yourself, but when you need heating repair services in Anthem, AZ, the experts of Mountainside Air are ready to help.
An Anthem Homeowner’s Guide to HVAC Noise Troubleshooting
Whether you have a furnace, a boiler, or a heat pump, don’t ignore heater noise issues. If you don’t investigate right away, the furnace problem will only get worse. This can mean an inconvenient breakdown and expensive repairs at best, and putting your home and family in danger at worst.
Here are some of the most common reasons for a heater making loud noises.
Issues With the Ductwork
In most cases, rattling heater sounds actually indicate an issue with the ducts, not the heater. Loose joints are the most likely reason the ducts will rattle, but if the ducts are smaller than the vents, they can rattle when air moves through them. Faulty ductwork can also cause a whistling noise when the heat is on; the most likely reason is a gap or hole in the duct.
To stop these sounds, inspect the ductwork for gaps or weaknesses that allow air to escape. Tightening the connections or fixing the damage will stop the noise and improve your system’s efficiency.
Motor Problems
Screeching and squealing sounds coming from the furnace most often mean that something’s going on with the blower motor. For example, if your furnace has a belt-driven motor, wear and tear on the belt can cause it to come loose or dry out, which leads to strange noises from the furnace whenever it runs.
Other issues within the blower that can lead to heater noises include loose or damaged bearings or the blower wheel coming loose. If the latter occurs, the wheel will bang into the sides of its casing, causing a loud clanking sound.
In any case, repairs involving the blower motor require prompt professional attention.
Loose Panels
Loose panels cause harmless but annoying rattling heater sounds. Anthem homeowners can usually handle this issue on their own. Simply inspect the panels for loose screws, and tighten them to stop the noise.
Ignition Problems
A banging noise from the heater when it starts up typically means there’s something wrong with the ignition system. This could be a weak pilot light, dirty burners, low gas pressure, or an incorrect gas-to-air ratio. If your furnace makes banging sounds, it’s critical to get help from an Anthem, AZ, HVAC professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Mountainside Air also provides fast and reliable heater repair in Phoenix, AZ, so nearby homeowners can count on us for expert service throughout the Valley.
Clogged Air Filter
It’s probably not a surprise that a common reason for a heater making loud noises is a clogged air filter, since skipping this maintenance task is a factor in a long list of HVAC issues. A clogged filter can cause a whistling sound as air struggles to flow through it, so if you hear a high-pitched sound, try changing the filter to see if that stops the noise.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
Damage to the furnace’s heat exchanger is a serious issue, as it can allow toxic carbon monoxide to enter your home and sicken your family. A cracked heat exchanger will typically cause a rattling noise, so if checking the panels and vents doesn’t reveal an issue, have a professional check the heat exchanger for damage.
Electrical Issues
If you notice a buzzing sound from the furnace, the most likely reason is an electrical problem. Defective capacitors (the part that controls the flow of electricity to start and stop the furnace) will make a persistent buzzing and need replacing.
Turn to Anthem’s Experts for Help With Loud Furnace Problems
If you have a heater making loud noises, don’t wait for the problem to get worse or cause a complete system breakdown. Get in touch with the professionals at Mountainside Air for fast, friendly help that will ensure you have a reliable and noiseless heating system.
Because regular maintenance is the best way to avoid a noisy heating system in your Anthem, AZ, home, we also provide comprehensive furnace care services. We’ll make sure your system is in peak condition and explain what to know about heating systems so you have trouble-free operation all season long. Contact us to learn more.