Why is My Heater Making a Loud Noise?

Screech, rattle, bang, chirp… if this sounds like your heater, it’s time to call Tower Heating and Air at 919-755-1957. We have compiled a list of common sounds furnaces make and what that may mean for your system. Some of them are warning sounds while others could mean you need to have an HVAC professional out to your home as soon as possible.

Screeching: If you hear screeching, you need to call in an HVAC professional. This is a sign that there is something wrong with the furnace’s belt, motor, or bearing. Though this is not dangerous right away, it is only going to get worse if you leave it alone.

Rattling: If you hear rattling, there is a good chance that a panel or a duct is loose and you can probably fix this one on your own by tightening the panels or ducts. This could also mean that the furnace is hitting the floor. You can fix this on your own by using a prybar to lift the unit off the floor enough to put a rubber pad underneath.

Banging: If the banging noise happens right when you turn your furnace on, it could be a delayed gas ignition. Delayed gas ignition is when gas in the furnace builds up rather than igniting immediately. When the gas does ignite, a small explosion happens and can harm your furnace. Another cause of banging can be the metal ductwork expanding and contracting when the heater’s blower starts. You can try to fix this by making sure all the supply vents are open and changing your air filter. Either way, when you hear banging, it is best to give us a call.

Chirping: Most of the time, chirping happens when you have not run your furnace in a while. Give the furnace a few minutes to get warmed up and it should stop. If it does not, you may need to have the belt replaced.

Anytime you hear a noise coming from your heater, feel free to call Tower Heating and Air at 919-755-1957.