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Ghoulish Furnace Sounds To Keep an Ear Out For

No, It’s Not a Haunted House - It’s the Furnace Making Ghostly Noises

There’s nothing quite like the changing of summer to fall. The crisp weather rolls in and brings with it the changing of the leaves and, of course, Halloween on the horizon. But it also brings the need for the furnace for the first time since the spring months. So when thoughts of ghouls and ghosts are in the air, it’s no surprise that some homeowners hear haunting sounds inside the home. Luckily, these noises aren’t caused by ghostly apparitions that have moved into the home. Rather, they’re the product of a damaged furnace that needs service. Read on to learn the most common sounds and what they mean for the furnace. 

Scary Boom and Bang Soundssounds

Boom and bang sounds are some of the scariest sounds that the furnace can cause. They can catch homeowners off guard and make them think that something is seriously wrong. But, if the boom sounds are coming from the walls, ceiling, or flooring, it is most likely just the metal of the ductwork expanding as warm air flows through. When this sound is consistent, it could signify a leak in the ductwork or an airflow issue. 

If booming or banging sounds are coming from the furnace itself, it usually means something a little more serious. When the furnace makes these noises, it’s often because there’s an issue with the ignition of the gas. When this happens, the gas builds up and then ignites in a miniature explosion, making the bang or boom sound. This issue needs to be addressed for the safety of the home and everyone in it. 

Freaky Clunking and Screeching

Two other haunting sounds that happen in the furnace are clunking and screeching. Clunking is usually caused by a damaged fan belt, bearing, or even the fan itself. If the fan becomes misaligned, its position can change, causing it to bump against other components in the unit. 

Screeching can also be caused by a fan belt that has been damaged, has come loose, or needs to be replaced altogether. A screeching sound could also be caused by an issue with the blower motor, causing the blower wheel to scrape against the housing. 

Spooky Rattle and Bangfurnace

It’s fairly common for furnaces to rattle a little while they’re running. This could be a loose panel or a loose screw, both of which are easy to fix. But when that rattling noise is accompanied by a loud bang when the furnace starts up, there’s something dangerously wrong. A cracked heat exchanger often causes this rattle and bang combination. And while this may not sound like much, a cracked heat exchanger can cause a carbon monoxide leak, so it’s best to get it checked out sooner rather than later. 

Some strange noises are typical of every gas furnace. It’s differentiating the normal noises from the abnormal ones. Luckily, homeowners that hear the noises above don’t need to call the Ghostbusters. Instead, they need to call a trusted HVAC service company for heater service.

About Blaze Air

Blaze Air has served Winston-Salem, NC since 1979. They are family-owned and operated and always offer after-hours service at no extra charge. They offer free estimates and stand behind their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for furnace services!