Back to Blog

What Noise Is Your Furnace Making & What Does It Mean?

Running your furnace during the winter is necessary as it offers warmth and improves comfort and safety when temperatures are high; however, it can be concerning if you notice abnormal noises when you kick your furnace back on after a long, hot summer. Unfortunately, it’s not always obvious why your furnace is making noises, making it difficult to determine the right fix.

hvac technician fixing a furnace

While subtle noises such as humming or pinging are normal, especially with older furnaces, certain sounds can indicate an issue. To properly address this, it’s good to familiarize yourself with potential furnace sounds and what they can mean.

Below, we look into some noises your furnace can produce, what they likely mean, and how to troubleshoot the issue. For pressing issues, Damiani’s Comfort Design is your one-stop shop for expert furnace solutions. 

Noises From Your Furnace That You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some simple noises shouldn’t be concerning. However, there are some sounds you should never ignore, including:

High-Pitched Noises

High-pitched noises from your furnace often indicate worn-out shaft bearings that need to be oiled. Additionally, it could mean that the blower belt is frayed, loose, or slipping, calling for an adjustment or replacement. The worst-case scenario could be that the blower motor needs to be replaced.

Metal-on-Metal Noises

A screeching noise like metal hitting metal usually signals the blower wheel coming loose from the motor shaft and colliding with the blower housing. This issue must be addressed immediately, so turn off your unit and consult a professional.

Rattling Noises

If your ducts have come loose, it can result in a rattling noise. If you’re able to access the duct that’s causing the issue, you can attempt the fix yourself by tightening loose screws or duct taping them. In addition, placing a mat under the furnace can prevent vibrations and rattling from happening.

Loud Pop Noises

Loud popping is an issue that shouldn’t be taken lightly. This noise can indicate dirty furnace burners. If this is the case, ignition will be hindered, resulting in excessive gas buildup. When the gas finally ignites, a small explosion triggers, creating a loud popping noise. To avoid fire hazards, contact a professional at Damiani’s Comfort Design as soon as possible.

Clicking Noises

Persistent clicking often indicates a faulty thermostat, so changing your thermostat’s batteries or recalibrating the system is a good place to start. If the wires are disconnected or frayed, ensure proper safety measures are taken if you attempt to resolve the problem or call a professional for help.

Abnormally Loud Humming Noises

While mild humming is standard, unusually loud humming can result from an especially noisy transformer. This can happen when the fan or capacitor has gone bad, so hiring an expert from Damiani’s Comfort Design is key.

Call Damiani’s Comfort Design for Furnace Inspection & Replacement

Family-owned Damiani’s Comfort Design is qualified to keep the San Antonio metro area secured with expert furnace services. Our employees are background-checked and drug-tested and receive thorough training so they can always take the best care of you.

Our team is courteous and respectful of your time and your home, and we’ll always provide prompt, professional, and efficient results, no matter the task you need handled. We also offer seven-day emergency services for issues that can’t wait. We work swiftly and precisely, so you can always trust us to finish each job right the first time. 

Is your furnace on the fritz? Don’t fret. Schedule expert furnace services with the Damiani’s Comfort Design team today!

Get your system up to speed for summer $119 Damiani's Deluxe AC Tune-Up
Expires 03/31/25
Cannot be combined with other offers.
New system with payments as low as $109/month
Expires 03/31/25
With approved credit.
Any Repairs 10% Off
Expires 03/31/25
Cannot be combined with other offers.
Awesome Manufacturer Rebates - Select Systems Up to $500
Expires 03/31/25
Cannot be combined with other offers.
Second Opinion On Both Repairs And Installations Free
Expires 03/31/25
Cannot be combined with other offers.
  • Flexible financing available
  • Schedule Your Free Estimate Today!

    Free Estimate Today

    truck m_truck

    Comfort Club Plans

    Routine maintenance on your HVAC system
    can prolong the life of your current unit
    and help reduce the possibility of
    breakdowns.

    • No waiting
    • Save more
    • Hassle-free repairs
    • Trustworthy services
    • Emergency help
    • Membership discounts
    Learn More