How to Identify and Stop Loud Heater Noises
There are countless sounds that a house makes throughout the day. The furnace or AC kicking on, the doors opening and shutting, the floors squeaking as people walk through the halls, the wind from outside howling, even the birds hitting the glass windows. The challenge is to know what sounds are just normal house sounds that are completely harmless, and what sounds are a sign of something more serious.
When unusual banging, squealing, or scraping noises start to become louder or occur more frequently, it’s safe to say that something is going on and needs to be resolved. Often times, these sounds will come from the furnace room.
It’s important to note that loud heater noises are not at all uncommon; many homeowners have had to do some detective work to get to the bottom of these strange noises. But they shouldn’t be ignored. Though there are many reasons for loud heater noises, here are a few of the most common causes.
What’s that Loud Banging Noise?
One of the more serious heater noises is a banging noise. If there’s a loud bang coming from the furnace room, it is likely a burner explosion. Though reading the word “explosion” may cause a small heart attack for homeowners, know that it is a common problem that many homeowners have experienced and have been able to resolve in a timely manner. Ultimately, a burner explosion is caused by a delayed ignition.When the gas isn’t ignited right away, it starts to build up in the furnace until it finally reaches a flame and ignites, resulting in an explosive sound. Now it gets a bit more complex, as there are several causes of a delayed ignition. One possibility is having too much air in the gas-air mixture making it difficult to light.
Or it could be the opposite problem: too little gas at the different types of burners that you could own. But another common cause of delayed ignition is a faulty pilot light. It’s difficult for homeowners to determine the root cause of this common issue, so it’s best to consult a professional.
Are Squealing Sounds Something to Worry About?
Along with banging noises, squealing sounds are another common heater noise that is a sign of a more serious problem. In the majority of cases, squealing sounds are caused by a lack of maintenance to the heater and the parts of the heater.
The inducer motor or bearings of the blower motor may be broken or worn down. Though furnaces typically last between 15-20 years, they still need additional maintenance for the furnace during its lifetime.
Why is the Heater Making Scraping Sounds?
Scraping sounds are like fingernails on a chalkboard making them hard to ignore. So when a scraping sound starts coming from the furnace, it’s safe to say that there’s some sort of larger issue at hand. Problems with the blower wheel are the most common cause of unusual scraping sounds.When the blower wheel comes loose or misaligned, it can hit the blower housing next to it. This metal clinking sound is the cause of that cringe-worthy scraping.
It’s good that this sound is hard to ignore because if the blower wheel is not fixed, it can result in more damage to the wheel itself or the blower housing. Therefore, it’s best to resolve this issue by tightening or re-aligning the blower wheel before more damage starts to occur.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC.
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. is a reliable heating company, offering cooling and refrigeration services in Manchester, NH. Their experienced technicians offer unparalleled same-day or next-day service, upfront pricing, and a whole-property approach to provide their customers with a hassle-free experience.
