Loud Noises From Your Furnace: It May Be Time to Call for Service

If you just turned on your furnace for the first time in months, you can expect to hear a few sounds that you aren't used to. If you have been using your furnace for several months, and your system begins to make strange noises, it's time to do more investigating. If your system becomes very loud, turn it off and have a professional come and assess your furnace. When you hear rattling or a squealing noise, your system may have something loose internally or a belt that needs to be replaced. Read on to learn more about furnace noises and what they mean.

When Your Furnace Makes an Exploding Sound

When your furnace makes a loud boom when it turns on, this is an actual explosion as your furnace ignites. This can mean you have a problem with the gas delivery system to your furnace, or the ignition isn't working properly. The loud sound occurs when too much gas builds up within your furnace, and then this gas ignites. The boom is the gas exploding as your furnace turns on. If you ignore this problem for too long, you may end with an explosion that gets out of control.

If Your Furnace Begins to Rattle

If you hear loud rattling noises coming from your furnace, you may be in the market for a new furnace installation. Furnaces last anywhere from 15-20 years, sometimes more with regular maintenance. If your furnace is more than twenty years old and begins to rattle, you will probably need a new one. If your furnace isn't very old, you may have a part that has come loose on the inside, causing the rattling noise. Call for repair services to determine if you need a new furnace or not, and leave your system off until someone comes to look at it.

When Your Furnace Squeaks

A squeaking noise coming from your furnace usually means that you will need to have a belt replaced. If the noise is after your system has been dormant for several months, the squeaking may go away. If the noise doesn't stop, the belt squeaking is probably dry and cracking. Get the belt replaced before it breaks when your furnace is running hard to keep your home warm and you have to call in for an emergency repair.

Whenever you hear strange noises come from your furnace, it's best to call to have someone check it out.


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