Clicking, grinding, humming, and banging are probably not the sounds you hope to hear when you turn your furnace on for the winter seasons. Beyond the fact that it can be quite annoying, there’s also a good chance that you’re also going to need a repair of some sort. Though you don’t need to become an expert on furnace sounds to own one, having a general idea of what the problem might mean is a good way to help keep your household safe and warm when it counts.

At EVAM Canada, we are passionate about helping our customers understand the essentials when it comes to furnace maintenance and the safety of their furnaces. That’s why you’ll always interact with a qualified technician rather than a salesperson when you call us for help. We want you to understand when there might be a problem with your furnace and unexpected sounds are a good indicator that something might be up. Below we outline some of the most common furnace noises, what the noise means, and let you know what you can do about it.If you know that you need an emergency furnace repair or simply want to be sure that your furnace is running safely and efficiently, give us a call. Our team of skilled technicians looks forward to helping you keep warm and cozy all winter long.

High-pitched noise, banging, clicking, and noisy blowers are all a pain. But what do these sounds mean and how can I know when I need a repair? We’ve got you covered. Find your furnace noise below and let us guide you towards a solution.

Sounds When Igniting

Are you hearing furnace noise when starting it up? If you’re hearing a boom or bang sound when you turn on your furnace it is likely one of two issues. The first is that the metal ductwork in your home is simply expanding as it heats. This issue is more of an annoyance than a problem and may be relieved by opening registers, cleaning your ductwork, or replacing your air filter. The second reason you may be hearing this noise is that there is a delay in the gas ignition. This is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately. We understand that it can be impossible to know which problem you have, so it may always be a good idea to ask when you aren’t sure.

Clicking Noises

If you’re wondering, why is my furnace making a clicking noise? We can likely narrow the issue down to a few different problems though all of them result in you calling a qualified technician for assistance. Your furnace clicking noise could be caused by issues with loose parts moving around or it could indicate an ignition system malfunction such as your pilot light not working properly or failing to ignite at all. Similar to a clicking noise, a furnace popping noise can indicate a clogged gas valve or clogged ignitor. It’s best to not try to troubleshoot these issues on your own as it could be unsafe or lead to damage to your furnace.  

Fan Noises or Furnace Blower Motor Noise

Exhaust fan noises and furnace blower motor noise when starting furnace are some of the most commonly reported furnace sounds. Though in many cases exhaust fan noise is caused by excess dirt or dust it can sometimes be caused by a loose belt. The exhaust fan is an important component of your furnace and it is crucial to ensure this component be repaired by a qualified technician to ensure your furnace is operating safely.

When it comes to a furnace blower making rattling noise, the culprit could be with a belt or other component of the motor. In some cases, the blower is simply just noisy even when nothing is mechanically wrong. An experienced technician can help you troubleshoot the issues and possibly reduce the intensity of the noise you are hearing.

Humming Noise

What’s that you hear? Is it a furnace making humming noise while it’s on? This is one of the most common furnace noises, but it can be difficult to diagnose the source of the noise without a professional inspection. From loose parts and ductwork to an issue with the motor or electrical transformer, a distinct hum coming from your furnace is a sign to reach out to a professional. If you want to know, why is my furnace making a loud humming noise, call EVAM Canada, we are always here to help.

Buzzing Noise

Like most furnace noises, a furnace making loud buzzing noise is cause for concern. This sound may indicate an issue with a blower motor or fan but could also be a result of loose access panels or even an issue with the transformer box near your furnace. When it comes to safety, having a qualified technician check out your furnace is always the best choice.

High-Pitched Noise

We often get calls from customers saying, HELP! My furnace makes a high pitched noise and it’s driving me crazy. Though this noise is often annoying, the good news is it is likely a minor issue that you may even be able to remedy on your own. To stop a furnace making high pitched noise from driving you crazy, check your blower speed settings. By changing the setting, you may be able to eliminate the noise entirely. Cleaning your air filter or ductwork can also. help immensely with high-pitched furnace noise.

Grinding Noise

Grinding is never something you want to hear when you turn your furnace on. A furnace making grinding noise can indicate that metal is rubbing against metal somewhere within your furnace though most often this happens with the furnace fan or blower wheel. If you are hearing grinding, turn off your furnace and call for an HVAC furnace repair company to help resolve the issue.  

Vibrating Noise

A furnace making loud vibrating noise is often caused by an issue with a component of the blower making contact with another part of the furnace. Sometimes a vibrating sound can be mistaken for a furnace making loud buzzing noise. Whether it sounds more like it’s vibrating or buzzing, you should always call a technician to discover what is causing the noise.

Whistling Noise

A furnace making loud whistling noise likely means that air is escaping from somewhere it shouldn’t be. Like all furnace noises, you’re going to want to have an HVAC professional investigate the problem to assist with eliminating the noise but also to ensure the safety and efficiency of your furnace.

Furnace Vents Noise

If you are hearing furnace vents making noise rather than noise coming directly from the furnace itself it is likely not cause for too much concern. Ductwork can sometimes be noisy as the metal can expand when hot air moves through it. Additionally, excess debris and dust can also contribute to noise coming from your furnace vents. Regularly cleaning your air filter and having your ducts cleaned can improve noisy vents. 

What Should I Do If My Furnace Is Making Noise?

Any unexpected noise coming from your furnace should not be ignored. We always recommend that you immediately turn off your furnace and call an expert if you hear odd or concerning noise coming from your furnace. Though sometimes excess noise may not be a safety hazard, there are many reasons why a furnace may be making noise that could become a hazard. At EVAM Canada, we offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair services for exactly these circumstances. Let us help you ensure your furnace is running safely and efficiently. We have the skills and experience to diagnose your furnace noise and get it running optimally once more.

Can I Repair My Own Furnace?

If you are hearing a furnace noise when starting it up and feel confident that you know what the issue is, you might be tempted to try to repair it yourself. In some instances, it may be appropriate to repair your own furnace, though we suggest hiring a qualified technician to ensure no further problems are present. We know that DIY maintenance is a great way to keep your furnace running efficiently, longer. However, when it comes to repairs, we believe that qualified experts are your best option.

How Can I Know When It’s Time for a New Furnace?

A furnace making loud noise is always alarming and may have you dreading that it’s time for a repair or even replacement. Though an unexpected need for a new furnace is frustrating it is important to keep in mind that all furnaces have a lifespan and shouldn’t be left to run until they no longer can. For safety and efficiency, a furnace should be replaced somewhere between 15-20 years. Trusted and honest furnace installation companies can help you know when it is time to repair an issue with your furnace and when you are best served to have a replacement.

When it comes time to replace your furnace, the experts at EVAM Canada are here to help. We only carry high-quality furnaces and are your source for Bryant, Carrier, and Payne furnaces. Additionally, we are a Bryant factory authorized dealer and Carrier authorized dealer. From discovering the cause of your furnace noise to helping you find a solution for your home’s heating needs; we are here to help. Choose EVAM Canada and feel confident that you are choosing a family-owned and operated business that truly cares about you.