Problems with the ignition components, such as dirty ignitors or a dirty burner, can cause a buildup of gas inside the combustion compartment, and when the
Turn off power to your heating system. Open the panel to the blower compartment so you can see the fan belt and motor. Check for signs of fraying and wear – a damaged fan belt needs to be replaced. If the belt is loose, it needs to be tightened – there shouldn't be more than a half inch of give in either direction.
Loud Bangs, Rumbles, Knocks, or Booms
Loud noises like this are a sign of a build of gas in a furnace. The noise you hear can mean your heat exchanger is at risk of cracking. Even worse, it's a sign that something dangerous could happen if you continue to use your heater.
The buildup of dirt and debris: The blower wheel and fan blades may get covered in dirt and other particles over time, creating an imbalance that produces loud noises. Your blower wheel component within your furnace will need to be cleaned by a professional technician.
Most frequently, the cause of a noisy radiator is air being trapped inside the system. If this is the case, it is recommended to fix this issue as soon as you can. If you find you can hear noisy pipes (especially during colder weather) this could be down to a frozen condensate pipe.
In most cases, noisy pipes are caused by movement as they expand and then knock against other surfaces. Therefore, one of the best ways to solve this problem is to check that all pipes are securely fastened and that they're not touching anything else.
A low hum is normal while the furnace runs, but if the noise is loud during a cycle or comes on when it wasn't present before, there could be an issue with the fan or capacitor.
If your furnace is making an obnoxious noise, it's likely because the furnace blower motor is turning on and off as part of normal heating furnace cycles. Make sure your thermostat is set properly to the desired temperature and off when you don't need heat (like overnight).
Instead, you should take immediate action and contact an HVAC professional. A cracked heat exchanger can produce different sounds, including popping, banging, whistling, or scraping.
There are a variety of problems that can cause your furnace to produce loud noises. Types of noises such as scraping, banging, whistling, and popping may be a sign of a loose part, cracked heat exchanger, or dirty gas burners.
Dust, dirt, and debris around the coil fins, air ducts, and outdoor condenser unit are common causes of noise. Loose or misaligned parts like the fan blades or belt, lack of lubricant, blockage in the drain pipe, copper lines, or vents, and a malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to a noisy air conditioner.
If your furnace sounds like a train grinding and scraping away on tracks, then you probably have an issue with the blower wheel. The wheel may have become unmoored and is grinding or scraping against metal it shouldn't be, or another piece has become loose or stuck in the blower.
A common reason for furnace buzzing is a loose transformer box. A furnace transformer regulates the incoming voltage to an appropriate voltage for the furnace to use. This is more common after a new installation. With an older furnace, the transformer may be malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
If you're hearing a loud banging or booming noise, this could indicate your furnace has dirty burners. This is hazardous as it can hinder the ignition. This delay in ignition triggers a gas build-up, producing a little explosion when it finally does light. Your burners should be regularly cleaned to avoid this issue.
We're here for the long run. So if you hear a squeal, a new click, grinding, or popping when your furnace is at any point in the heating cycle, it's best to have a tech take a look and catch things early.
Furnace Screeching or Scraping
The blower fan may have come loose, letting the blades drag across the furnace casing. A scraping noise can also indicate other parts of the system have loosened. If you are unsure of the cause of the noise, turn the furnace off and have a technician come and take a look at it.
Over time and lots of use, air can creep into your central heating system and, when enough air gets trapped, it can cause your pipes and system to make noise. Water and air flowing through pipes and radiators can result in clicking, ticking or tapping noises.
For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.
Insulate Your Ductwork
If your ductwork isn't properly insulated or doesn't have insulation, add insulation to duct runs in the basement or attic. The insulation should be formed and designed to insulate ducts. The insulating material will muffle loud noises from within and it can improve energy efficiency as well.
Although radiators usually require water to generate heat, it shouldn't make a noticeable sound, so this usually means trapped air is preventing the water from travelling around the pipes properly. Typically, bleeding a radiator can fix the issue of radiators making a running water noise.
You should bleed your radiators at least once a year, typically before winter arrives in order to ensure the efficiency of your heating system. Regularly checking for trapped air also helps to make sure that your system operates effectively and reduces energy consumption.