Groans and wails. Something going bump in the night. What’s lurking in your basement or hiding in a closet? It’s not ghosts or ghouls. It’s actually just your heating system. Why is your furnace making all that noise? Does it need to be repaired? What could be wrong? We’ll explain, so you don’t need to fear your furnace.
Groaning
It’s not some sort of monstrous complaint from an overworked furnace. Chances are, it’s worn-out bearings in the blower fan motor. Over time, they can get ground down. Having repairs done now can ensure that all you need to replace is the bearings, and perhaps some lubricant. Delaying repairs could mean the entire motor gets damaged and needs to be replaced!
Screeching
Not all furnaces have belts, but some do, to translate the power from the motor into rotational movement for the blower fan. And if a belt starts to stretch, tear, or slip out of position, it can make a terrible squealing, screeching sound! Again, prompt repair makes a huge difference. If that belt comes all the way loose, it could hit and damage other furnace components, leading to a more extensive repair.
Rattling
The most likely cause of rattling is pretty simple: something is loose. A screw, a fan blade, or something is slightly out of position so that parts rattle against one another. It could be in your furnace or, if the sound seems to be coming from your vents, it could be in your ductwork. Either way, just as with the belt, you don’t want components hitting each other and causing more problems, so get repairs promptly.
Clicking or Buzzing
These sounds can sometimes be made by simple mechanical means, with parts tapping or vibrating against one another. But they can also be electrical in origin, so it’s important to take them seriously. Electrical problems in your furnace create a fire hazard, so have it looked at by a qualified technician right away.
Whistling
Just like when you use your mouth to form a whistle, this sound is created by air rushing through a small opening. Chances are, this is happening in your ductwork, not your actual furnace. Duct leaks are so common and so wasteful that in most homes, about 30% of heated air is lost through cracks and holes in the ductwork. It’s an expensive waste, but these gaps can be sealed by an HVAC professional.
Problem Prevention
The best way to avoid having your furnace make alarming noises is to get routine maintenance done every fall, ideally before you need to turn on your heat for the first truly cold day. But no matter what time of year it is, if it’s been at least a year since you’ve gotten maintenance done, schedule it now. It can save you a great deal of trouble!
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about odd heating system noises or need to schedule furnace repair in Skokie, IL.
Contact ServiceMax with any questions about your heating system.