Furnaces, like most other household equipment, can run into issues. This can be either from wear and tear or simply a fault in the system. When this happens, the furnace develops mechanical issues, which may cause your furnace to start making noise.
Depending on the underlying issue, the furnace may start making a loud buzzing noise or pitching noise. At American Home Water and Air, we have come up with a few reasons why your furnace is making noise and what to do when that happens.
However, we advise that you get a professional to do any repairs. Repairing it yourself can save on costs, but a malfunctioning furnace is a ticking time bomb and is very dangerous for you and your family if not fixed correctly. In some cases, furnaces can even cause fires.
Is Your Furnace Making Noises? Here’s What to Do
Your furnace is most likely making noise as a result of a damaged component. Here are some of the elements that might be why that irritating buzzing or loud pitching noise.
Ruined Capacitor
A capacitor is a small device used to store the electricity required to start the motor. The capacitor is responsible for the ignition of the furnace. If it is spoiled or damaged, it may cause a clicking or buzzing sound as it struggles to start.
Damaged or Worn-out Transformer
A transformer is a device that converts input voltage from the socket to the correct voltage required by your furnace. Over time, you may start noticing a humming sound from your furnace caused by the electric current flowing through your transformer.
This sound is a sign that the transformer is wearing out or is damaged and needs replacement. Attempting to fix the transformer on your own is not advisable.
Damaged Blower Motor
A damaged blower motor is a common cause of your furnace’s buzzing, humming, or rattling noises, especially if not properly maintained. A blower motor breaks down if it is not cleaned regularly or it doesn’t have enough lubrication.
Parts of the blower motor that are easily damaged include the belt or the motor bearings. Regardless of the broken component, it is advisable to shut down your furnace and consult a professional.
If your furnace produces a high-pitched noise, this could be because the blower is not getting enough air. Restricted airflow is mainly caused by dirt or dust blocking the air filter or the air return vents. It would help if you first tried to clean the air vents; it could be time to clean or completely replace your air filter if this doesn’t work.
The noise from your furnace may also be a result of poor installation. This is especially common for the motor fan. If loosely installed, it may cause a regular noise. If this is the case, the best option would be to call an HVAC technician.
However, a furnace blower has some “normal” noise. Therefore, it is essential to understand and distinguish between the noise so as not to cause a false alarm.
Loose Components
After a while, various components such as nuts, bolts, joints, belts, and seams may get loose. They get loose due to the constant vibrations of the furnace. This may even be caused by dropping the furnace during transportation or installation.
If loose components of the furnace are not properly fixed, they can cause loud and consistent buzzing noises over time. They may even lead to a complete breakdown of your furnace, which will then force you to replace the whole thing!
Loose components can also cause a grinding noise. This happens when two metals are banging on each other. This is dangerous as it can lead to further physical damage to the furnace.
Loose components are best fixed by HVAC professionals who know what they are doing. This is because tightening a bolt more than is required for a part like a belt might lead to other furnace problems.
These are some of the major causes of why your furnace might be making a buzzing noise. While there is a temptation to try and fix this yourself, it is advisable to get a professional to handle any repair and maintenance issues. At American Home Water and Air, we have professionals who are great at what they do and will go the extra step to ensure they’ve sorted out all your HVAC needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Noises
- How do you reduce noise from the furnace?
To reduce most of the above noises, you need to fix the specific problem. The best option would be to consult an HVAC technician. Technicians are equipped and have the necessary “know-how” required to fix a faulty furnace.
- Are there normal furnace noises?
Yes! Some noises are considered normal. This is because furnaces, like most machines, are made up of several parts. When these parts are working together, they tend to make small noises that are considered normal.
- What is a bad furnace noise?
It could be difficult trying to distinguish ominous furnace noises from normal furnace noises. If noise is loud, irregular, and distracting, it might be a bad furnace noise. Most furnaces are designed to minimize the noise they emit. However, if there is a noise you are not so sure about, the best choice is to consult an HVAC technician.
Luckily, at American Home Water and Air, we have qualified and affordable HVAC technicians with years of experience who can handle any job without a problem. We are an all-around company offering all HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair services in Phoenix. Call us today!
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