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Furnace Common Noises

Hearing strange noises from your furnace? Learn what common sounds mean—from rattling to banging—and when it’s time to call a professional to keep your heating system running safely and smoothly.
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When your furnace is operating like it should, it should give warmth without creating too much disruption. While it’s expected to notice your furnace making noise as it begins running, other noises are showing your furnace needs immediate professional support.

Here are some of the most common furnace noises and what they could be indicating. If your furnace is making an odd noise, our friendly heating pros are here to fix the problem with the best furnace repair in Sugar Hill, Georgia.

1. Furnace Making a Banging Noise

You may have a critical situation on your hands if you’re detecting your furnace making a banging noise. If your furnace is making a knocking noise, it may signal there could be a couple of problems. These involve gas increasing in your furnace or a ductwork issue.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Furnace

Your heating system gets filthy over time, so that’s why it’s essential to book seasonal furnace maintenance with Southeast Heating & Cooling. One of the things our techs do during this appointment is clean your furnace’s burners. When this part gets dirty, you might hear your furnace making a loud rumbling noise after ignition takes longer than normal. The ensuing gas buildup can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger, where natural gas turns into warm air. Any fractures in it can discharge carbon monoxide, which is normally vented outdoors. This dangerous gas can be lethal in large concentrations.

If you’re noticing banging or knocking sounds coming from your furnace, Southeast Heating & Cooling advises turning it off and calling us at 770-265-8308. Significant natural gas in your furnace or a fractured heat exchanger are serious issues that require prompt attention.

Banging Sounds Coming from Your Ductwork

Your furnace relies on ductwork to move hot air across your house. If the ductwork wasn’t installed correctly or is getting dated, it can be loud when your furnace runs. This might be the problem if your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off. Contact Southeast Heating & Cooling at 770-265-8308 and we’ll determine the problem.

2. Furnace Making a Buzzing Noise

If you notice your furnace making a buzzing noise, don’t wait to call us. A buzzing sound frequently indicates an electrical issue, like with its transformer, blower motor or capacitor.

Your furnace depends on an internal transformer to operate on the correct voltage. If wires or the box isn’t tight enough, you might hear a low humming noise in the furnace when off. Your furnace also has a blower motor, which distributes heated or chilly air throughout your residence, and a capacitor, which starts the motor. If either of these parts are going out, they will buzz when the furnace starts.

3. Furnace Making a Rattling Noise

If your furnace is making a rattling noise, it may be due to something minor, like a loose screw, or something critical, like a broken piece. In either case, we advise shutting your furnace off and contacting our heating specialists at 770-265-8308 for support.

4. Furnace Making a Squealing Noise

If your furnace makes a high-pitched noise, like squealing, when it’s running, it’s attempting to get your attention it could use some TLC. If you’ve skipped furnace maintenance recently, belts could be worn out or a bearing might need to be lubed. We realize that maintenance sometimes slips your mind, but our technicians can get your furnace heating quietly again fast.

5. Furnace Making a Whistling Noise

When you’re detecting your furnace making a whistling noise, it’s likely because of an air leak in your ductwork. You might also notice whistling while the furnace is working if a floor vent isn’t tight. If you’ve examined your vents but are still hearing sound, Southeast Heating & Cooling can provide support. It’s essential to get loose ductwork repaired quickly, as it can create comfort troubles in your home and increase your utility costs.

6. Furnace Making a Grinding Noise

It’s not a good sign if you detect your furnace making a grinding noise. This metal-on-metal noise frequently means there’s a problem with your furnace’s blower. Switch off your furnace off now and reach our pros at 770-265-8308 for assistance.

When you’re noticing an atypical noise from your furnace, Southeast Heating & Cooling is ready to support you. Contact us to book your furnace repair appointment right away.

Customer Testimonials

See what our satisfied customers have to say about their experience with Southeast Heating & Cooling.
"Great service and very nice. They showed up next day and fixed everything without me having to pay more than I could afford and also helping to ensure we had air this weekend. Trey did an awesome job."
Amanda W.
"Absolutely stellar work. Trey is super friendly, very knowledgeable and an extremely hard worker. Can always count on him to get the job done right the first time!!!"
Craig M.
"Brian came out the same day and diagnosed our problem. He had the parts he needed on hand. He was very knowledgeable and professional. We will definitely use this company again."
Reza A.
"Jo was so knowledgeable and had so many great ideas on how to improve my homes efficiency! He took his time going over everything to make sure he was able to are all my concerns! I can't wait to get started implementing his ideas."
Carolyn G.
"Amazing service. This company is so responsive and professional. Russell came out to do our summer maintenance. He was very informative and very professional. I would recommend this company for all of your HVAC needs."
Michelle A.
"Brian is the best in the business! Extremely trustworthy and does amazing work! Has been handling my families HVAC for years now."
Eric H.
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