During the winter, your house should be a refuge of warmth and ease, but it can very quickly turn into a cause for dread when your furnace begins to make an unnerving rumbling noise. So, why exactly is your furnace making a loud rumbling noise in the first place? Join furnaceguys Heating and Air Conditioning to learn the root causes behind this type of furnace problem.
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When should I worry about my furnace noise?
Even though a furnace will occasionally make noise as it operates, there are a few instances where the sounds your heating system is producing may concern you. Let's take a closer look that would prompt you to reach out to a professional HVAC company for help:
- Loud and sudden booming or banging: If your furnace suddenly starts making loud or sudden banging or booming sounds, you should call a professional straight away. These sounds could indicate a stuck ignition, which could be hazardous.
- Prolonged rumble or squealing: If these sounds are louder than average and last longer than usual, it can be a sign of a problem with dirty burners, high gas pressure, or a damaged heat exchanger, all of which could compromise the appliance's functionality and safety.
- High-pitched or screeching noises: Frequent high-pitched or shrieking noises may suggest there is an issue with the blower motor or fan. These components may not be functioning correctly, which could affect the heating system's performance.
- Grinding sounds: These sounds may indicate a mechanical issue, such as broken or loose pieces. These noises could do greater damage to your equipment if they are not repaired quickly.
- Rumbling or vibration sounds: Loose parts are often the source of these kinds of noises.
- Hissing or whistle noises: These sounds may be a sign of duct air leaks, which reduce the overall heating performance of your furnace and can lead to cold spots in your home.
Ignoring furnace noises can lead to more severe issues down the road that will cost more to repair and will cause more harm to your heating system. So, make sure to keep an ear out for any of these types of noises and reach out to a professional HVAC company in your area like furnaceguys Heating and Air Conditioning, for assistance!
Why is my furnace blower motor so loud?
There are a number of possible causes for a noisy furnace blower motor. Let's take a closer look below:
- Lack of servicing: Over time, dust and debris can build up on the blower wheel and motor, leading to uneven spinning and louder noises. Cleaning and other routine maintenance can help reduce this problem.
- Worn bearings: As the bearings in the blower motor age, there could be a spike in noise and resistance. Changing or lubricating the bearings can fix this.
- Broken or missing parts: Any broken or loose components, such as loose bolts or screws or an improperly positioned blower wheel, can cause noise to emanate from the furnace. Rearranging or tightening these parts may reduce noise.
- Problems with the blower wheel: An excessive amount of noise can be produced if the blower wheel is broken, deformed or unbalanced.
- Problems with the motor: Internal issues with the blower motor could be the cause of the noise. A new motor may be required if it is failing, producing strange noises, or vibrating.
- Problems with the ducting: Occasionally, the noise could come from the ducting rather than the blower motor.
- Unclean air filters: When airflow is restricted by a clogged or dirty air filter, the blower motor has to work harder and make more noise.
Is there any danger if my furnace is so loud?
In some instances, loud furnace noises can point to issues that can put your safety at risk. Here is a closer look below:
- Fire hazard: A fire hazard could arise if the blower motor overheats as a result of worn-out bearings or other problems.
- Carbon monoxide leaks: Although unrelated to sound volume, problems with a gas furnace's combustion process may result in carbon monoxide leaks. It's imperative to turn off the furnace and get professional help right away if you observe strange furnace noises together with other indications like soot around the furnace, a yellow burner flame (instead of a blue one), or signs of carbon monoxide toxicity (headaches, dizziness, nausea).
Can my furnace explode due to a loud noise all of a sudden?
Although it's pretty uncommon for a furnace to blow up because of a loud noise, you should nonetheless pay attention to any strange or loud noises coming from your furnace. Rather than an explosion, possible safety risks or damage to critical mechanical parts are more frequently the cause for concern. Here is a closer look:
- Delayed ignition: Gas can build up before igniting if there is a delay in the ignition process. Although it's not a common reason for loud booms, this can trigger a mini-explosion or delayed ignition. This needs to be handled by a professional straight away.
- Pressure buildup: Problems with combustion, like a clogged vent or flue, can cause pressure to build up. Although an enormous explosion is unlikely to occur from this, the heat exchanger or other furnace parts may sustain damage.
- Gas Leaks: A gas leak in or around the furnace can be dangerous. Any strange noises should be reported as an emergency if they are accompanied by the smell of gas.
