A noisy heater in your Roseville, CA home can produce sounds like rattling, whistling, banging, or squealing. Many different problems can produce these noises. Some require a simple fix, while others benefit from equipment replacement. Our team at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions can help you determine what heating system noises are normal. We’ll help diagnose problems quickly to restore a peaceful home environment and ensure reliable heater use.
Banging or Booming Sounds
Banging and booming sounds can be unexpected and startling. A common cause of these sounds includes a delayed ignition in a gas furnace. As unburned gas accumulates inside the combustion chamber of your unit, it raises the risk of a small explosion during ignition. This explosion makes a sound but can also introduce a large blast of air into your ducting. The ducting can expand and contract during this process, which is noisy. Pay close attention to any signs that there is a gas leak in your home. The smell of rotten eggs indicates you should turn off your system. Gas providers add mercaptan to the gas to make it more detectable during a leak. During a gas leak, ventilate your home, evacuate, and call for assistance immediately.
You may also have ductwork damage that is causing the same expansion and contraction. Sounds can be produced as metal ducting heats and cools. It’s beneficial to have your ducting inspected periodically. We also recommend having your ducts cleaned every three to five years. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies. Keep up with ductwork maintenance if you experience frequent HVAC issues related to airflow.
Whistling or Squealing Sounds
You may hear a brief whistling sound during heating system startup. If the sound is excessive or continues while your equipment runs, there is a problem occurring. There may be issues with airflow or leaks in your system or ductwork. A blower motor with damage, slipping belts, or worn bearings can also produce abnormal sounds. You should also check your air filter to see if it needs to be replaced.
If air is escaping from your ductwork, consider professional sealing. Using commercial-grade sealants, gaps, cracks, and damage in your system will be removed. This ensures airflow and protects against heat loss. You may notice a decrease in your monthly utility bills when you keep up with routine duct sealing.
Rattling or Clanking Sounds
Rattling sounds are usually easy to find the source of. If the rattling is coming from your heating equipment, a panel or screws may be loose. A professional can look for an unbalanced blower wheel, debris caught in the fan assembly, and heat exchanger damage. In the case of a damaged heat exchanger, we recommend replacing your unit for safety.
Subtle Ticking or Clicking
Heater sounds aren’t all loud and disruptive. You may hear a slight ticking or clicking when you’re close to your unit. These sounds may be normal during startup or shutdown. However, persistent clicking or ticking may be the result of an ignition problem or thermostat short cycling. If these sounds come from your ductwork, expansion and contraction may be to blame.
Humming or Buzzing Sounds
This is a common sign that your motor or bearings are failing. Loose electrical connections can produce a buzzing sound and should be promptly investigated. A failing transformer is a safety risk. Addressing electrical problems early on can prevent more extensive issues.
Diagnosing Heater Problems
If you notice anything amiss with your heater, schedule an appointment with a professional at the earliest possible opportunity. Our team has the experience and equipment necessary to accurately and promptly diagnose a problem. In the meantime, try to gather some information about the issue. For example, do you notice noises during startup, shutdown, or all the time? Where are the sounds coming from? What do they sound like? These details can help us determine if the problem is in your furnace cabinet, ductwork, or outdoor equipment. Also, take note of any abnormal smells. This can include the smell of rotten eggs or something burning. Abnormal sounds may come along with other concerns, like a lack of heat coming from your vents. You may notice an increase in your monthly utility bills if the problem is impacting system efficiency. Our team appreciates as much information as possible so we can ensure that the problem is addressed the first time.
Fixes You Can Perform
In addition to replacing your air filter, check the housing for any debris buildup. Particulate matter can fall into the housing, causing airflow restriction. Also, check your vents and registers. They should remain completely open and unobstructed throughout your entire home to allow ample airflow through your system. Do not place items over your vents or registers. You should also maintain space around your furnace or heating equipment. If airflow is restricted, this can cause your heating equipment to experience strain. Damage leads to abnormal noises.
Check the exterior panel of your heating unit. It should be securely in place to avoid rattling sounds. The vibrations caused by a loose panel can lead to other internal issues. Replace any hardware that appears damaged or corroded.
Leave other inspections, repairs, and maintenance to the professionals. This includes cleaning and lubricating moving internal parts. It’s important to use the proper products for each maintenance task. Otherwise, corrosion or malfunction can take place. Electrical problems should always be handled by a professional to ensure safety.
Consider adding insulation around your ductwork to reduce the sounds associated with expansion and contraction. This can also improve heating system efficiency. Foam gaskets and flexible duct connectors can reduce vibrations and promote a quieter home environment.
When to Act Immediately
Some noises and issues warrant an immediate professional response. If the sounds are accompanied by alerts from your carbon monoxide or smoke detectors, shut down your heater. Call for help immediately. If you smell smoke or see smoke coming from your vents or registers, turn off your unit and turn off the power at the breaker. Schedule a professional inspection.
If you suspect an electrical issue is to blame, don’t attempt to diagnose the problem yourself. This could result in electrical shock or fire. You could also end up damaging your heating equipment by performing the wrong DIY tasks. This can lead to you having to replace your heater prematurely, which is an expensive undertaking.
You don’t need to deal with ongoing noises and disruption from your heating equipment. Our team at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions can perform routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs that ensure a peaceful and safe home. In some cases, you may need to replace your heater. We can help you choose a new unit that meets your needs. We’ll take care of the installation process, ensuring adherence to local building codes. Contact us at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions today in Roseville to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
