Furnace noises can mean a serious issue. A well-functioning and good condition furnace runs smoothly and silently. If your furnace is noisy and loud, then you should rightfully be concerned. Even if the noise from your furnace is hardly noticeable and does not bother you, you must contact a technician for inspection. Prolonging inspection will eventually cause the furnace to worsen. Below are some of the common causes of a noisy furnace.
Squealing
Some furnaces consist of a belt drive motor. These belts are made of rubber material, which is responsive to heat caused by friction. Overtime heat exposure, along with dust and debris accumulation causes these belts to slip and get dirty.
This forces the belts to get out of alignment and result in a squealing noise. This sound is similar to what your car belts would sound like. An easy fix for this problem would be to clean the belt and check the alignment. If the alignment is a little worn out, then it is best that you replace it.
Loud Pops and Bangs
If you notice a loud bang while your furnace is running, then it is likely that there is a fault in the ducting. As hot air flows through the furnace, the sheet metal inside the furnace undergoes expansion and contraction. This expansion and contraction results in a popping sound that is very noticeable and concerning. These bangs can be very annoying. However, your furnace is still operational regardless.
Other Furnace Noises
If you hear a rattling or scraping noise emitting out of the furnace, then this is largely because of faults in the blower motor. The Blower wheel blows air out of the furnace and into your home. The wheel is connected to the blower motor shaft with a main set screw in the center.
If this screw loosens, then the blower wheel starts to wobble and this result in a loud noise. Addressing this problem requires you to check the set screw and tighten it if it is loose. It is best to leave this job to a professional because they can safely locate, inspect and repair the blower wheel.
They can also tell whether the blower motor requires repair or a complete replacement. You should not overrun the blower wheel it is damaged. The bearings in the blower motor are also vulnerable to wear, and they can cause the blower motor to become noisy.
While it is possible to lubricate old blower motor bearings to minimize the furnace noises, most current motors do not allow you to do this. The best solution is to replace the motor with a new one. Bearings inside the motors and fans of the furnace wear out overtime, and you need to keep lubricating and replacing them to increase the lifespan of your furnace.
Avoid Furnace Noises
One of the best solutions when addressing issues is to upgrade the entire furnace. In the oncoming cold temperatures, you will be exercising and stressing the furnace components more often. This may lead to constant repair and maintenance. Purchasing a robust and modern furnace is a single investment that saves you from effort and accumulative repair expenses.
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