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why does my furnace make a whistling noise

by Ethel Torp Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Common Causes of a Whistling Furnace Noise

  • Dirty Filters. A dirty air filter for the supply of heated air to your indoors might be the cause of a whistling sound.
  • A Defective Gas Supply Valve. This issue affects gas-powered furnace systems. ...
  • Ducts That Are Too Small. Improperly sized HVAC ducts are a common occurrence in systems that are not professionally installed.
  • Leaking Air Ducts. ...

The blower in your furnace is powered by a motor, which has bearings that can wear out because of age or overheating. Overheating is usually caused by dirt buildup or a bad capacitor. On the other hand, a high-pitched whistling sound is usually the result of a low airflow problem.Mar 12, 2020

Full Answer

Why is my furnace making a loud humming noise?

Why Is the Furnace Making a Loud Humming Noise?

  • Blower Motor Problems. If the humming sound comes from the blower area and is sudden and loud, the source is often the blower motor.
  • Issues With the Transformer. Your HVAC unit has a transformer inside that can have issues that result in a humming sound. ...
  • Vibrations in Ductwork. ...
  • Loose Internal Parts. ...
  • Broken Furnace Capacitor. ...

Why is furnace making a high pitched noise?

Why is furnace making a high pitched noise?

  • Clean the debris from the ducts. This may be causing a blocked return vent, thus creating a whistling sound.
  • Your supply vents may be blocked or shut off. Go to each room and open all the vents, even in the rooms you don't use.
  • Keep your doors open throughout the house.

Why is my furnace not turning on?

[With Pictures]

  • Furnace Won't Turn On Because The Furnace Switch Is OFF. ...
  • Tripped Circuit Breaker Explains Why Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  • Bad Thermostat. ...
  • Damaged or Loose Thermostat Wiring. ...
  • Incorrect Thermostat Settings. ...
  • Bad Capacitor Is A Reason Why Your Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  • Furnace Won't Turn On Due To Faulty or Filthy Blower Motor. ...

More items...

Why is my heater making a humming noise?

  • Tank Containing Sediment & Mineral Deposits
  • Poor water flow
  • Frequent Changes in Water Pressure
  • Leaky and condensed tanks
  • Source of the water supply
  • The condition of the heating element

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What does it mean when your furnace is whistling?

A whistling noise caused by the furnace means that air is escaping somewhere in the system. It may a new or rebuilt fan that is forcing air through the ducts with more force, or it could be a loose connection in the ducts. Listen closely to locate the source of the whistling and then check for any loose connections.

How do I stop my heater from whistling?

What Can I Do To Keep My Heater From Whistling?Clean the debris from the ducts. This may be causing a blocked return vent, thus creating a whistling sound.Your supply vents may be blocked or shut off. Go to each room and open all the vents, even in the rooms you don't use. ... Keep your doors open throughout the house.

How do you fix a furnace that has a high-pitched noise?

1:364:03How to Fix a High Pitched Furnace Noise - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd literally change the pressure on that the bottom what seems like it's the bottom but it's reallyMoreAnd literally change the pressure on that the bottom what seems like it's the bottom but it's really just a piece of metal with a couple of screws in a dissolve.

Why is my heating making a high-pitched noise?

A heater making a high-pitched noise may have a motor that isn't working properly. The problem may be caused by worn out bearings, overheatine to a buildup of dirt, or a problem with the capacitator.

Should my furnace whistle?

If the whistling sound comes from the furnace and not from a vent or duct, the problem is usually an airflow issue, though it could also be a mechanical problem with the blower itself. As a furnace blows warm air throughout your home, the air passes through a filter, then into your ducts and out of your vents.

When should I worry about my furnace noise?

In most cases, it is wise to call a service technician. A pinging or popping sound is most likely coming from one of the ducts and is not really something to worry about. If you hear an odd vibrating noise or whining, it may indicate a problem with your furnace and a technician really needs to check it out.

What does a bad furnace sound like?

There are a variety of problems that can cause your furnace to produce loud noises. Types of noises such as scraping, banging, whistling, and popping may be a sign of a loose part, cracked heat exchanger, or dirty gas burners.

What does a bad furnace blower motor sound like?

A thumping, banging or clanking sound could be the result of a loose or broken off part in the motor or blower assembly. Should you hear one of these noises, turn off your furnace immediately. Call a professional to examine and repair or replace the broken part before you turn your furnace on again.

Why is my fan making a high pitched noise?

If your fan's motor has lost all of its lubricating oil, it can make a high pitched sound. What is this? Simply insert a few drops of all-purpose oil into the main shaft that's located above the motor. The oil will need to drip into the bearings.

Why does my furnace make a whistling sound?

Unless your HVAC system is new, this is usually a result of deteriorating ductwork and poor connections to the main ducting trunkline.

Why does my furnace make a loud noise?

One common cause of a loud bang, or boom, is a dirty burner in your furnace. Having dirty burners in your furnace can cause a delay in ignition. So the gas will build up instead of the gas igniting immediately.

Why does my heat exchanger make a clicking sound?

The clicking sound you hear could be the metal in heat exchanger heating up the cracks and they start to expand a tiny bit. Cracks in heat exchangers are the leading cause of carbon monoxide being dispelled into the home. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous and not to be ignored in any way.

Why does my furnace blower wheel get out of balance?

Another way the furnace blower wheel can get out of balance is if one of the balancing weights has fallen off of the blower wheel. Just remember, if the furnace is not sounding right, it’s best to call a qualified technician to inspect your HVAC system to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Why is my furnace blower hot?

A blower motor will get very hot if the motor is trying to turn but won’t because of some sort of blockage. Another way a blower motor gets overheated is from having bad capacitors.

Why does my furnace sound like a washing machine?

This will make your furnace sound like your washing machine when it is out of balance. This means your blower wheel is out of balance, and if not corrected right away, it will cause other problems to your entire HVAC system. Sometimes this can be caused by a piece of paper, tissue or other material getting sucked into the return air duct. Materials can sucked in when a homeowner attempts to change the air filter while the unit is running. Another way the furnace blower wheel can get out of balance is if one of the balancing weights has fallen off of the blower wheel. Just remember, if the furnace is not sounding right, it’s best to call a qualified technician to inspect your HVAC system to make sure everything is in proper working order.

Why does my blower motor get overheated?

Another way a blower motor gets overheated is from having bad capacitors. Bad capacitors is generally a sign of lack of regular maintenance. Whenever we perform maintenance on a HVAC system we check the capacitors. Capacitors wear down over time and need to be checked regularly and replaced as needed.

Why does my furnace make a whirring noise?

A bad motor bearing will result in excessive vibration which may travel outside the furnace through various ducts. You may be able to identify the bad bearing by operating your furnace with no load.

Why does my firebox whistle?

If your burners are dirty, they may be reducing the flames’ ability to heat the firebox. This will make it whistle to try and draw in more oxygen.

What to do if blower wheel is not working?

If the problem is caused by a malfunctioning blower wheel, you’ll need to replace it—no do-it-yourself fixes here. If you have access to an HVAC specialist, contact them and request a troubleshoot of the problem.

What does a good bearing do to a blower?

A good bearing will allow the blower wheel to spin freely and quietly. If, on the other hand, you find that a blower wheel is noisy and has excessive vibration when operated with no load, you likely have a bad motor bearing. Replace your blower assembly if you suspect it has a bad bearing.

Does a furnace make a high pitched noise?

While a furnace makes lots of noises, it shouldn’t make strange high-pitched sounds.

Is a leak in a furnace a heating problem?

Furnaces are installed in a building to provide heat in the interior space. So, a leak is certainly not part of a furnace’s heating function and is indicative of some dysfunction. While the issue...

Do furnace bearings need lubrication?

There are two bearings, which both require lubrication. If you notice your furnace start making a lot of noise when it first comes on, this is an indication that you either need to clean or lubricate the bearings.

Why does my furnace make a clicking noise?

If your furnace is making a clicking noise, it usually means there’s an issue with the ignition system. The ignition system is responsible for creating combustion, which is how your furnace creates heat. If the furnace can’t ignite for some reason, then you may hear a clicking noise as the igniter struggles to light.

Why does my heat exchanger make a rattling noise?

This is because the metal is expanding, which causes a rattling noise. What to do: Contact a professional to inspect your heat exchanger for leaks. Unfortunately, if your heat exchanger is cracked, it will be a very expensive repair (almost equivalent to the cost of getting a new furnace).

Why do ducts make noise?

Because ducts are often made of sheet metal, it’s normal for ducts to make noises from time to time as they expand and contract. However, if the banging noises are distractingly loud or frequent, it could mean there’s an issue. Problems that cause extra loud ducts include: Dirty air filter. Closed or obstructed vents.

What to do if furnace is not working?

What to do: Contact a professional to inspect the electrical components of your furnace to pinpoint the issue and fix it.

Why does my furnace have to be heated on the return side?

Additionally, when your furnace pulls in cold air to be heated on the return side, it creates negative pressure which can cause the ducts to contract.

Why does my furnace make a bang?

If you hear intermittent banging sounds while your furnace is running, it could mean you have expanding or contracting ducts. (You’ll likely hear these noises throughout your house, not necessarily by the actual furnace itself.)

Why does my furnace squeal?

A high-pitched squeal coming from your furnace is usually the result of an issue with the blower. The blower in your furnace is powered by a motor, which has bearings that can wear out because of age or overheating. Overheating is usually caused by dirt buildup or a bad capacitor.

Why does my furnace make a whistling sound?

When you hear a whistling sound that sounds awfully like a high-pitched tuning fork, it could be due to the air flow escaping somewhere in the system that it shouldn’t be. This could be caused by anything from a loose connection in the ducts or something that is rebuilt in the furnace that may possess more power than the previous component, such as a rebuilt fan.

Why does my furnace whistle?

Why is My Heater Whistling? Your furnace creates the air flow to conduct heat in your home. Although technology has improved allowing for quieter heater operation, it’s somewhat impossible to make the furnace completely silent since it’s producing heat from the air flow. However, this does not mean that a whistling furnace is normal.

What Can I Do To Keep My Heater From Whistling?

Even though we advise you to have a professional fix your heater, there are proactive measures that you can take that could potentially decrease the whistling sound. Below are some of the items we recommend you do to help lessen the high-pitched sound:

What happens if your furnace is leaking?

Money: If the hot air from your heater or furnace is leaking out, you could be spending more on your utility bills than necessary. Let Precision Heating & Air fix your whistling heater, so it operates efficiently and so you can avoid expensive heating costs.

Why does my air conditioner make a loud noise?

This means that your system’s blower is trying to pull in a certain amount of air, but it is incapable of doing so. This increases the pressure and velocity and creates an unpleasant squealing sound.

How to stop high pitched sound in ducts?

Below are some of the items we recommend you do to help lessen the high-pitched sound: Clean the debris from the ducts. This may be causing a blocked return vent, thus creating a whistling sound. Your supply vents may be blocked or shut off. Go to each room and open all the vents, even in the rooms you don’t use.

How to get rid of a blocked vent in your house?

Make sure that no furniture or household items are covering the vents. Keep your doors open throughout the house. Your system needs to flow through your house instead of being blocked off.

Why does my furnace make a whistling noise?

Your furnace may be making a whistling noise due to restricted airflow from a clogged air filter. Try changing your air filter and see if the spooky sound goes away.

Why Is My Furnace Making Loud Noises?

If your furnace is making a loud booming or banging noise, the problem may be caused by a small gas explosion that happens when there’s a delay in ignition. Gas can build up in your combustion chamber when the gas burners in your furnace do not ignite on time. If the gas burners are not igniting efficiently, this is an indicator of a clog or a gas pressure problem. Do not attempt to fix a gas burner without a licensed technician. Disassembling the heat exchanger or burners can cause a gas leak in your house.

Why does my furnace have gas in it?

Gas can build up in your combustion chamber when the gas burners in your furnace do not ignite on time. If the gas burners are not igniting efficiently, this is an indicator of a clog or a gas pressure problem. Do not attempt to fix a gas burner without a licensed technician. Disassembling the heat exchanger or burners can cause a gas leak in your ...

What happens when a furnace is too loose?

When something is loose in your furnace, it will cause vibration. Once a part becomes too loose, it can break other components in your gas or electric furnace. Hire a technician to perform an inspection of the blower motor, hot surface ignitor, heat exchanger, or gas burners. A certified professional has the tools and equipment necessary to tighten loose parts in your furnace.

What happens when you remove debris from a furnace?

If the debris is not removed from the gas burners each year, a large amount of gas will start to collect and cause holes to form in your heat exchanger.

Is Your Furnace Making A High-Pitched Noise?

When operational, the furnace relies on good airflow to distribute heat throughout the home. Modern furnace models are significantly much more quiet compared to older models, thanks to new HVAC technology.

Reasons For A Whistling Furnace

A whistling noise generated by the furnace usually sounds like a high-pitched squeal. This is a distinct noise from other noises that are considered part of normal operation. This is usually caused by an issue involving the blower and air escaping out of a narrow gap or crack.

The Importance of Having a Professional HVAC Contractor Fix Your Heater

There are problems with your heater that can easily be remedied by changing your filter or opening your vents, for example. However, some issues are too serious or complicated to be fixed as a do-it-yourself project. For example, a high-pitched noise coming from your furnace could require a furnace part replacement or a professional cleanup.

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1.Videos of Why Does My Furnace Make a Whistling Noise

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22 hours ago  · If your furnace is making a whistling noise, possible causes include a hole in the furnace, faulty gas supply valve, dirty furnace filter, and incorrect duct sizes. Diagnosing the problem requires a thorough inspection of your furnace system.

2.Common Causes of a Whistling Furnace Noise - The River …

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3 hours ago  · A noisy furnace is the most common cause of indoor discomfort related to an HVAC system, especially when it produces a whistling sound. The following are the common causes of a whistling sound from your furnace. Dirty Filters. A dirty air filter for the supply of heated air to your indoors might be the cause of a whistling sound.

3.Is Your Furnace Making Noise? Here Are 7 Possible Causes

Url:https://www.coolchangenc.com/furnace-making-noise-7-possible-causes/

18 hours ago  · One of the most common causes of a furnace whining noise is that the bearings that support the motor shaft pinion gear need lubrication. The bearings allow the motor to spin freely while supporting the shaft on both ends.

4.Furnace Making Whining Noise? 6 Common Causes

Url:https://temperaturemaster.com/furnace-making-whining-noise/

30 hours ago  · A whistling noise caused by the furnace means that air is escaping somewhere in the system. It may a new or rebuilt fan that is forcing air through the ducts with more force, or it could be a loose connection in the ducts. Even a loose register cover can create a soft whistling noise if the air pressure is high.

5.Why does my furnace make a whistling noise?

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11 hours ago  · Noise #3: High-pitched squeal or whistling sound A high-pitched squeal coming from your furnace is usually the result of an issue with the blower. The blower in your furnace is powered by a motor, which has bearings that can wear out because of age or overheating.

6.Why Is My Furnace Making a Loud Noise? A Michigan …

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18 hours ago  · My furnace is making a high pitched whistling noise that is really annoying me. Why is my furnace whistling?Hey there John, how are you? Not too shabby, how ...

7.Why is My Furnace Whistling? - YouTube

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5 hours ago When you hear a whistling sound that sounds awfully like a high-pitched tuning fork, it could be due to the air flow escaping somewhere in the system that it shouldn’t be. This could be caused by anything from a loose connection in the ducts or something that is rebuilt in the furnace that may possess more power than the previous component, such as a rebuilt fan.

8.Why is My Heater Whistling? – Precision Heating & Air

Url:https://www.precision-hvac.com/why-is-my-heater-whistling/

29 hours ago  · Whistling Sounds. Your furnace may be making a whistling noise due to restricted airflow from a clogged air filter. Try changing your air filter and see if the spooky sound goes away. Popping Noises. At the beginning of a heating cycle, the blower motor distributes warm air into the air ducts in your house. If you notice a loud popping noise when your furnace is …

9.7 Types of Loud Furnace Noises & How to Fix Them

Url:https://www.snellheatingandair.com/blog/whats-scary-sound-coming-furnace/

14 hours ago  · A whistling noise generated by the furnace usually sounds like a high-pitched squeal. This is a distinct noise from other noises that are considered part of normal operation. This is usually caused by an issue involving the blower and air …

10.Is Your Furnace Making High Pitched Noise? - BNMag

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