
Why is My Heater Making Strange Noises?
- Loud Banging. If you hear a loud banging sound whenever your heater turns on, it could mean a couple of different things.
- Loud Booming. Unlike other heater sounds that may be minor, the sound of loud booming is cause for serious concern.
- Whistling. ...
- Squealing. ...
- Rattling. ...
- Chirping. ...
Why does a heater make noise?
Why Do Baseboard Heaters Make Noise?
- Pinging. When your baseboard heater makes a pinging noise, the metal fins inside the covers are rubbing against each other.
- Knocking. A knocking sound from inside the baseboard heater is caused by the expansion of the pipes when hot water enters the pipe.
- Banging. A banging sound from the baseboard heaters frequently originate in the boiler. ...
- Hammering. ...
Why does my gas wall heater smell?
Why Does My Heater Smell Like It’s Burning?
- Heater Smells Like: Burning Dust Accumulated dust is the most common source of a burning smell from your heater. ...
- Heater Smells Like: Burning Plastic or Burning Rubber In some cases, rubber, plastic, or other materials end up inside of the ductwork via the air vents. ...
- Heater Smells Like: Electric Burning
How to light your gas heater?
Steps to power on a gas heater
- Firstly, turn on the gas knob. ...
- Wait until all the gas has left the room. ...
- Now that you have turned the gas on, you need to find the tube supplying the light. ...
- Use a flashlight to peek into the heater. ...
- Pinch and twist the control valve to “pilot.” You can line it up with a marker outside the casing.
- Now the gas is flowing smoothly through the tube. ...
Why does my heat pump make a buzzing noise?
- Clanking noise. Clanking noise indicates that some of the elements inside the heat pump are loose and need to be checked and tighten.
- Grinding noise. Grinding noise means that there is a problem with the compressor or fan motor, actually bearings. ...
- Buzzing sound. ...
- Bubbling sound. ...
- Hissing sound. ...

Is it normal for a gas heater to make noise?
The metal housing, vents, pipes, and other parts make clanging and banging noises as they heat up and cool down. This is normal and shouldn't indicate a problem.
How do I stop my heater from making noise?
You might be able to solve the sound yourself by cleaning the ducts, filter and return and by opening up the vents and dampers. In some cases, the cause of the whistling noise is something a technician needs to fix or something that can only be fixed by replacing the furnace.
Why is my heater making a weird noise?
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.
Why is my gas heater so loud?
In order to work properly and efficiently, your furnace needs a proper mixture of air and gas. If you have too much air and not enough gas, gas can build up resulting in a loud booming sound.
Can a furnace explode?
The short answer is yes, it is possible for your furnace to explode. But it is highly unlikely especially with the build of modern furnaces, which include high safety standards to decrease the risk of an explosion.
Why is my heating unit making a loud noise?
Banging, thumping and rattling – These sounds are usually an indicator of something coming loose in the motor or blower. If the banging gets loud, it probably means that whatever was loose has now broken off. Humming or vibrating – This could mean that there are loose parts, or the motor is out of balance.
Why does my furnace sound like an airplane?
Furnace Sounds Like a Jet Engine If your furnace sounds like an airplane or jet engine taking off, it's usually a gas issue. Gas could be leaking from a line or valve. Or, if you hear a click before the swooshing sound, you may have a broken heat exchanger that is leaking gas.
Why is my furnace so loud all of a sudden?
The simplest explanation for screeching or whistling is that your furnace air filter could be clogged with dust, hair, and dirt. That eerie screech you hear might just be air desperately trying to get through. Fortunately, you can take care of this noise issue yourself, quickly and inexpensively.
What does a bad furnace sound like?
Rumbling. There's a difference between rattling, banging, and rumbling. A rumble sound normally indicates a furnace that hasn't been maintained in a while. This usually means dirty gas burners or a pilot light that needs to be adjusted.
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 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 does my furnace sound like an airplane taking off?
Furnace Sounds Like a Jet Engine If your furnace sounds like an airplane or jet engine taking off, it's usually a gas issue. Gas could be leaking from a line or valve. Or, if you hear a click before the swooshing sound, you may have a broken heat exchanger that is leaking gas.
Why is my heater making a humming noise?
But if you hear a loud humming or buzzing sound coming from your furnace, it usually means your furnace has an electrical problem. The most common electrical issues that cause a humming or buzzing sound include: A failing blower motor capacitor. An aging or unlubricated blower motor.
Why is my furnace so loud all of a sudden?
The simplest explanation for screeching or whistling is that your furnace air filter could be clogged with dust, hair, and dirt. That eerie screech you hear might just be air desperately trying to get through. Fortunately, you can take care of this noise issue yourself, quickly and inexpensively.
1. Knocking
A consistent knocking sound: if that happens when the heater is on, is a sign that a heater repair technician must be contacted. The two most possible reasons for that knocking sound could be bad bearings, cracked belts, or damage.
2. Clanging
A clanging noise when your heater starts or just after it turns off might be caused by contraction and expansion. The metal pipes, vents, and other parts in the house generate banging and clanging noises as these parts get hotter and cool down. This is normal and doesn’t point to an alarming issue.
3. Rattling
A rattling sound caused by the heater could mean there is a loose panel and can be resolved by just tightening the screws on the cover panels. However, if you have examined the panels to ensure everything is screwed up, the rattling noise might be from contracting and expanding the metal parts of the heater as they change temperature.
4. Chirping
A chirping sound from your heater usually occurs when your gas heater has not been in use for a long time and could just be an indicator that the heat is increasing. After the heater gets hot and runs for a few minutes, there will be no noise anymore.
5. Screeching
If you hear screeching noises from your heater, it’s most probably because of problems involving the motor, bearing, or belt. Although this is not risky, if overlooked, it can cause major damage and require massive repairs later.
6. Humming
A humming sound from the heater starts by being easy to ignore. The blower motor usually makes this sound. If this is the situation, then you must turn off the motor and let it cool. When the temperature drops to a safe level, check the motor; the noise could be because of improper lubrication.
Why does my heater make a loud noise?
This sound typically happens when there’s a delay in gas ignition within the unit. When gas builds up inside your heater instead of being ignited as soon as you turn it on, it could create a small explosion inside.
What does it mean when your heater makes a rattling sound?
These types of sounds often mean that some of the ducts within your system are loosening.
How to fix a heater that is rattling against the floor?
To fix this problem, try to retighten the screws to secure the loose ducts. You can also use duct tape if the screws are missing. If the sound is happening because the heater itself is rattling against the floor, you can try to lift it up enough so you can put a rubber pad underneath.
What does it mean when a blower makes a squealing noise?
4. Squealing. A squealing sound is often an indication that there’s something wrong with the belt, motor, or bearing. Although the sound might be incredibly annoying, problems that lead to squealing sounds are typically minor.
What to do if you hear a booming sound coming from a gas heater?
More importantly, it can also be incredibly dangerous for your home and family. If you hear a loud booming sound coming from your heater, turn it off, and call a professional right away. Always leave gas repairs to the pros. 3. Whistling.
Is it normal for a heater to chirp?
A chirping sound is quite normal if you haven’t used your heater in a long time. Whenever your unit is warming up, it may start to produce a chirping sound. The sound will probably go away on its own after just a few minutes. If it doesn’t, it may be time to replace a belt.
Why does my heater make a clunking noise?
For example, a furnace making a loud clunking noise can mean a fan blade is out of alignment, or a cracked fan belt is causing this noise to occur.
Why does my furnace make a noise when it starts?
If a clanging noise occurs only when your furnace first starts or right after it stops blowing hot air, the sound probably is caused by expansion and contraction. The metal housing, vents, pipes, and other parts make clanging and banging noises as they heat up and cool down. This is normal and shouldn’t indicate a problem.
Why does my furnace bang?
The second cause of a loud boom or bang could be the metal ductwork that’s expanding and contracting when the heating system’s blower starts. Try changing the air filter and make sure your home’s supply vents are open.
What does it mean when your furnace knocks?
A continuous knocking sound though that occurs while the furnace is running is a signal that a furnace repair technician should be contacted . The two most likely sourc
Why does my furnace make a hum?
If this is the case, then the first thing you should do is turn off your motor and allow it to cool. When it has cooled down to a safe temperature, check the motor, the humming could be the result of something as simple as improper lubrication.
Why does my furnace make a screeching noise?
If you hear a screeching noise coming from your furnace, it’s most likely a result of problems with a belt, bearing or the motor. While this isn’t hazardous, if left in poor condition, it can cause larger repairs later.
Can a forced air furnace make a noise?
Due to the dual jobs they perform though, the many composite parts that make up these systems can cause noises throughout the house as heat travels up through the registers. ...
Why is my gas burner not igniting?
Too little gas at the burners—Like too much air, not enough gas makes it hard for the gas-air mixture to ignite. This is can be caused by low gas supply pressure. The tech will have to examine what’s causing this.
Why is my furnace pilot light not working?
Dirty, restricted or weak pilot light—If you have an older furnace, this may be the problem. These pilot light issues prevent the main burners from igniting.
Why is my ignition delayed?
But if you want to learn the lingo, delayed ignition can be caused by: Too much primary air— Primary air is the air mixed with the gas before it’s ignited. Too much primary air makes the gas-air mixture hard to light, causing gas to build up. The tech can easily fix this.
What is the number to call if my furnace is making a boom noise?
If your gas furnace is making boom noises, give us call at 580-699-5662. Pippin Brothers Home Services happily services the Greater Lawton, Fort Sill, and Duncan, Oklahoma area.
Can Pippin Brothers repair a furnace?
Contact Pippin Brothers to repair your furnace if you feel you are experiencing this problem. Alternatively, a precision tune-up and professional cleaning of your furnace can uncover symptoms that lead to this hazardous problem and address it before it has catastrophic consequences.
Why does my water heater make a popping noise?
If your water heater is making a popping noise, there may be a large buildup of mineral deposits and sediment in the water tank. When water becomes trapped beneath this buildup, it causes pockets of air and popping sounds to ocur in the system. To fix this issue, have your water heater flushed each year by a professional plumbing service. Stephens Plumbing offers water heater repair, tune-up, installation, and maintenance services to homes in Downers Grove and other areas of Illinois.
Why does my water heater smell?
Smelly water typically indicates bacteria in the water. Flushing the water heater tank should remove the bacteria and eliminate the odor. If the odor persists, it may be time to invest in a new water heater.
How long does a water heater last?
The average lifespan of a residential water heater is 8 to 12 years. The life cycle of this water system is dependant on variables such as usage patterns, water type, and maintenance routines. To prolong the life of your gas or electric water heater, we recommend performing at least a water heater tune-up with a professional at least once year.
How many homes have gas water heaters?
Gas water heaters are found in roughly 60% of the homes in the United States. There are many reasons gas is the preferred water heater model including:
What is the phone number for a water heater?
Give us a call by phone at (630) 968-0783 or schedule an appointment online to receive immediate support.
How to get more hot water in my home?
In need of more hot water? Turn up the temperature on the water heater! Be careful not to turn it too high - a few degrees should help bring more hot water into your home. If the hot water supply remains low, we recommend checking the water heater to cocnfirm if it's making noise. We also offer reliable HVAC services such as furnace repair, boiler installation, and humidifier replacement. Give us a call by phone at (630) 968-0783 or book an appointment online to receive assistance with a plumbing or HVAC issue.
Why is there no hot water in my house?
No Hot Water. If you have no hot water in your house, this is a sign of an issue with the internal heating element in the water heater. In a gas water heater, it could mean the pilot light has gone out. If the pilot light is on, the internal element may need to be replaced (found in both gas and electric water heaters).
Why does my water heater make a noise?
Here, when the unit makes heated water, it makes the same noise as a coffee maker. This noise happens because the water bubbles as it passes the sediment layer.
Why does my water heater make a rumbling sound?
When the heater makes hot water, the liquid expands and passes through the debris. When this happens, you will notice a rumbling sound, especially when the water moves through the dirt.
What if you use a gas water heater with sizzling sounds?
What if you use a gas water heater with sizzling sounds? Then condensation stands as a possible cause.
What happens if you stay in a hard water heater?
If you stay in a place that has hard water, your heater tank will have a buildup of mineral deposits. Here, as water moves to your home, it traps various materials such as magnesium and calcium carbonate. Luckily, these materials cannot harm your health.
Why does my tank pop?
Popping. After years of use, you will have a buildup of residue in your tank, which leads to popping sounds. This means you will need to clean out your tank as much as possible to remove limescale buildup. Residue comes in various forms and this solid particle stays at the bottom of the tank.
How to tell if a water heater is leaking?
To identify a leaky tank, you should use a leak detector designed for water heaters. When it finds a leak, it lets out an alarm. Easy to use and affordable, these items detect leaks within a few minutes.
How to stop noise from water heater?
You can also stop the noise by decreasing the pressure on the water heater. Reduce the temperature on the unit to perform this task.
What Do Sizzling, Crackling, or Hissing Sounds in a Water Heater Indicate?
A hot water heater making noise similar to a hissing, sizzling, or crackling sound can indicate excessive sediment accumulation (for electric water heaters) or internal condensation (for gas-powered units).
What About a Ticking Sound?
Another common noise from water heater is a ticking sound. Unlike the other unusual water heater sounds, ticking can be due to various causes and are nothing more than minor irritations.
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 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 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 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.
What to do if you hear a noise coming from your furnace?
If you hear this sound, turn off your furnace immediately. You will most likely need to replace this part on your furnace, but don’t worry, it is a fairly easy repair and can usually be done in an hour or so. Although this is uncommon it does happen on occasion.

Screeching
Chirping
- A chirping sound from your furnace mostly occurs when the unit has not been in use for a while and could just be an indication that the heat is coming on. After the furnace has warmed up and run for a few minutes, the noise may stop. If the noise continues or grows worse over time, it may need a belt replacement. In this case, it’s probably a good idea to contact afurnace repair techni…
Rattling
- A rattling sound coming from the furnace could mean there is a panel loose and can be fixed by simply tighteningthe cover panels. If you have checked the panels to make sure everything is tightened, the rattling noise may be from your furnace expanding and contracting the metal parts as they change temperature. However, if the rattling noises still continue it may be something m…
Clanging
- If a clanging noise occurs only when your furnace first starts or right after it stops blowing hot air, the sound probably is caused by expansion and contraction. The metal housing, vents, pipes, and other parts make clanging and banging noises as they heat up and cool down. This is normal and shouldn’t indicate a problem.
Knocking
- A continuous knocking sound though that occurs while the furnace is running is a signal that a furnace repair technician should be contacted. The two most likely sourc es of the continuous sound are a damaged or cracked belt, or bad bearings.
“Boom” Or “Bang”
- A loud boom or bang coming from your furnace could be one of two things. If the boom or banging noise is located at the heater, a delayed gas ignition is most likely the problem. Delayed gas ignition is when gas in the furnace builds up rather than igniting immediately. When the gas finally ignites after a while, a mini-explosion happens and can ha...
Humming
- If a humming sound is coming from the furnace, begin by trying to pinpoint where the hum is originating from. One of the most common problems is that the blower motor makes a humming sound. If this is the case, then the first thing you should do is turn off your motor and allow it to cool. When it has cooled down to a safe temperature, check the motor, the humming could be th…