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Trusted Heroes For Every Task
Trusted Heroes For Every Task
Trusted Heroes For Every Task
Your furnace shouldn't sound like it's falling apart. When banging and rattling noises start coming from your heating system, it's easy to worry about what's going wrong and how much it's going to cost. The truth is, some sounds are minor issues you can fix quickly, while others mean that something serious needs attention. At Service Hero, we've diagnosed just about every furnace noise out there, and we know how unsettling it can be when your system suddenly starts acting up. Here's a breakdown of what the sounds mean and when you should pick up the phone.
We had a main line drain clog under the house. Russell was our technician and approached the problem from outside the house, working retrograde from a trap in the front yard. I was skeptical but it worked when my efforts with a cable inside the house had failed. He was very professional and pleasant to deal with. We asked him to install a cleanout closer to the house for future use and we were very satisfied with the work.
Tyler is the best! He came to our parent's house, knew exactly what the problem was, and explained it to us without the typical guesswork. I'd recommend him any time you need a good plumber.
Overall, It was a very good experience with the Service Hero team. I was able to schedule an appointment late in the night. They are truly 24x7. The help desk team was very professional, courteous, and friendly. All responses were timely. The field technician showed up on time and diagnosed the issue accurately. Kudos to the Service Hero team!
A loud bang at startup usually points to delayed ignition or expanding ductwork. Delayed ignition happens when gas builds up in the combustion chamber before the burners light. Once ignition finally occurs, the accumulated gas creates a small explosion. You'll hear it as a sharp bang or boom right when the system fires up. This issue requires immediate attention because repeated mini explosions can crack the heat exchanger, which leads to expensive repairs and potential carbon monoxide leaks. A dirty burner, a faulty igniter, or low gas pressure can all cause delayed ignition. A qualified technician will clean the burners, inspect the igniter, and check gas flow to pinpoint the exact cause. The other common culprit is your ductwork. Metal ducts expand when warm air rushes through them after the blower kicks on. This expansion creates a popping or banging sound that travels through your vents. While less dangerous than ignition problems, noisy ducts indicate undersized ductwork, weak duct walls, or closed vents that create pressure imbalances. A professional HVAC service appointment can determine whether your ducts need reinforcement, resizing, or damper adjustments.
The piercing squeal coming from your furnace typically originates from the blower motor or its related components. A worn or frayed blower belt produces a high-pitched screech during operation. Older furnaces use belts to connect the motor to the blower fan, and these belts degrade as time goes on. A belt that's too loose, too tight, or cracked will squeal until it breaks completely. Replacing a blower belt costs far less than replacing a blower motor, so taking care of the problem early saves money. Modern furnaces use direct drive motors instead of belts, so if you have a newer system, the squeal probably comes from motor bearings or shaft issues. Blower motor bearings require lubrication to work properly. When they dry out, metal grinds against metal and produces a distinctive screeching sound. Running the motor in this condition accelerates wear and can burn out the entire motor within weeks. Some homeowners can access the motor and apply lubricant themselves, but this varies by furnace model. If the noise persists after lubrication, the bearings have likely failed, and the motor needs replacement. Scheduling heating repair before the motor dies completely prevents an emergency breakdown on the coldest night of the year.
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A loose access panel vibrates when the blower runs and creates a rattling noise that disappears when you press on the panel. Tightening the screws that secure the panel eliminates the sound in seconds. Loose screws or bolts anywhere on the furnace cabinet can produce similar rattles. The blower wheel itself can also cause rattling. This component pushes heated air through your ducts, and it spins at high speeds throughout each heating cycle. If the wheel comes loose from the motor shaft, it wobbles and rattles against the housing. You might also notice reduced airflow from your vents when this happens. A technician can reseat or replace the blower wheel during a standard furnace repair. More concerning rattles come from a cracked heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains combustion gases while transferring heat to the air that circulates through your home. Cracks allow the metal to flex and rattle during temperature changes. A cracked heat exchanger also poses a serious carbon monoxide risk. If your furnace is more than fifteen years old and develops a new rattling sound, schedule an inspection immediately. Technicians use specialized cameras and testing equipment to examine heat exchangers for cracks that aren't visible to the naked eye.
Some furnace noises warrant a phone call within hours, not days. Any sound accompanied by a gas smell requires fast action. Turn off the furnace, leave your home, and contact your gas company before calling for heating repair. Gas leaks present explosion and poisoning risks that outweigh any other consideration. Loud booming or banging at ignition also demands same-day service. Delayed ignition puts stress on your heat exchanger every single time, and that increases your chance of cracks or complete failure. A single service visit today prevents thousands of dollars in damage later on. When you hear grinding or metal-on-metal sounds, that's components destroying themselves in real time. Keep running the furnace, and the damage just becomes more extensive by the minute. Shutting down the system and getting an HVAC company out there limits the repair scope before things spiral. Continuous clicking without successful ignition usually points to a failing igniter or flame sensor. The furnace will attempt to light again and again, fail each time, and eventually lock out for safety reasons. This situation isn't an emergency, but it leaves you without heat until someone repairs it. Screeching that grows louder over several days is telling you that bearing failure is imminent. The blower motor could seize within hours once the bearings reach this stage. Finally, any unusual noise combined with tripped breakers, visible sparks, or burning smells requires professional evaluation. Electrical issues can damage components throughout your HVAC system and create fire hazards if ignored. When in doubt, contact a reputable HVAC service provider rather than waiting to see if the problem resolves itself. Furnaces rarely fix themselves, and most problems worsen without intervention.
Some sounds require nothing more than tightening a screw or replacing an air filter. Others point to problems that threaten your safety and your wallet if left ignored. It's important to recognize which situation you're dealing with. When your furnace starts making sounds that concern you, call Service Hero for a diagnosis. Our technicians can identify the source of the noise, explain your options, and complete repairs efficiently. Contact our crew today to schedule your furnace repair and replacement.
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