The furnace that heats up your home is far from a quiet machine. It makes a wide range of noises as it operates, which is why you need to be aware of what sounds are normal and what sounds mean something is wrong and you need to bring in a professional for some heating repair assistance.

Banging Noise

If your furnace starts to make a banging noise, you need to be concerned. A banging noise occurs when something gets loose inside the unit. For example, over time, nuts and bolts can become loose due to vibrations in the machine over time. This can cause covers to get loose and flap around.

When the furnace starts to make banging noises, check and see if there are any covers or shields that are loose. All you may need to do is tighten up the loose bolts and screws to fix the banging. If that doesn't fix the banging, you are going to want to get a professional to inspect the unit.

Wheezing Noise

If your furnace is making a wheezing sound, like it is having a hard time breathing, you need to check the air filter. When the air filter is clogged and dirty, not enough air is pulled into the furnace at the right rate, so the furnace is having a hard time breathing. The wheezing sound is caused by the sound of resistance as the air tries to force its way through the unit.

This problem can be easily fixed by just cleaning or replacing the air filter. You should check on the status of the air filter every few months, as a clogged air filter can have serious negative consequences on the operation of your unit.

Screeching Noise

If your furnace starts to make a screeching noise, you are going to want to turn it off, in part because of the damage being done to the furnace and in part because this noise can just be unbearable to listen to.

A screeching sound is generally generated by an issue with the blower motor. Often, the wheel that powers the blower motor has become loose. The loose material will cause the motor to scrap and make a scraping sound. You should turn off the unit to prevent further damage. If caught soon enough, you may just have to reattach or fix the wheel on the motor. If the issue goes on long enough, you may need to replace the entire blower motor.

If your furnace is making a sound you don't understand, use the guide above to troubleshoot what is happening. If you can't figure out what is causing the sound, bring in a heating professional to fix the issue and mitigate the damage by quickly repairing whatever is wrong.