Have you noticed that your furnace is making unusually loud or persistent noises lately? Everything has its own way of signalling that something is wrong, and machines are especially good about showing signs of malfunctions. When it comes to furnaces, strange noises are often the easiest way of identifying what the problem is with your heating system. While it’s important to allow professionals to deal with repairing your furnace, we at Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling put together a guide for how to recognize whether the noises you’ve heard from your furnace are normal or signal that it’s time for a repair.
Rattling
If your furnace is rattling, you know there is most definitely a problem. While a rattling noise can signal something as simple as a loose part, it can also mean something much more serious: a cracked heat exchanger. Because your furnace’s heat exchanger is both extremely important for the functioning of your heating system and extremely expensive, you need to contact a technician immediately if you hear a rattling sound. Unfortunately, heat exchanger repair can often cost just as much as buying a whole new furnace. Hopefully it’s just a loose part!
Banging
Normal
If you hear a subdued banging noise when your furnace kicks on or occasionally while it’s on, then you don’t need to worry. While furnaces are designed to be as quiet as possible, they occasionally make noises. As long as the noises isn’t loud or frequent, then you have nothing to worry about.
Not Normal
If you hear increasingly loud banging noises coming from your furnace then you may have one of two problems. First determine when the banging is occurring: whether it happens right when you turn it on or while it’s running. If the first is the case, then there may be an issue with the furnace’s gas ignition. This problem can be a result of an unbalanced ratio of gas to air in the system, or a lack of gas supply. However, if the second option is the case, then it may be a problem with your air ducts. While it’s normal for air ducts to expand and contract, a banging noise can signal a problematic level of air pressure. Some things that can cause this are closed air vents, a dirty air filter, or bent air ducts. You can easily adjust the first two options and look for good results, but be sure to contact a technician to handle the third problem.
Clicking
Normal
If you own a gas candle lighter or a gas stove, then you are familiar with the clicking noise that comes right before a flame. The clicking noise results in ignition which results in heat. The same is true for furnaces! This is why it is normal for you to hear a few clicking noises right before your furnace kicks in.
Not Normal
However, if the clicking persists, or if your furnace doesn’t turn on at all after making repetitive clicking noises, then you know there is a problem with your furnace’s ignition system. Repetitive clicking signals that the furnace is trying to ignite, but is unable to. This may be because the burners are dirty, there are low levels of gas, or your furnace has a malfunctioning flame sensor. Your best option is to contact a repair company right away and schedule an inspection to locate the exact problem.
Time For Action!
If you’ve done all you can do on your own, and you’re looking for a licensed contractor to come and inspect or repair your furnace, then you can contact us at Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling today by calling 740-212-5849, or you can schedule an appointment now by clicking here! We are also always happy to help answer any questions you might have.
