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Modern furnaces operate quietly โ€” but not noiselessly. When turned on, normal furnace noises include the humming of the blower motor as it pushes warm air into your ductwork, the soft whoosh of burners igniting on and off, and other subtle noises as various components work together to create heat. These things should sound familiar, comforting even.ย 

On the other hand, if those ordinary background noises transform into harsh roars or inexplicable pops and squeals, donโ€™t ignore them; they could be a cry for help from your heating system. If left unaddressed, these warning signs can escalate into major issues requiring emergency furnace repair.

Letโ€™s look closer at different furnace noises and what they mean so that you know exactly what to do if you hear them in your home. In the following guide, weโ€™ll review characteristics of common furnace sounds and provide troubleshooting advice for each so that you can avoid being stranded in the cold the next time your furnace threatens to break down.ย 

Common Furnace Noises and Their Potential Causes

1. Banging or Popping

Description: Sudden, loud noises, similar to metal popping.

Potential Causes:

Recommended Action: Call a furnace repair technician for inspection immediately, as this could lead to fires or explosions if not addressed.

2. Squealing or Screeching

Description: High-pitched, sharp sounds.

Potential Causes:

Recommended Action: If your furnace has a belt-drive blower motor, replace the belt and lubricate moving parts. If you donโ€™t know how to do this (or donโ€™t feel comfortable doing it yourself), call an HVAC repair technician for assistance.

3. Rattling

Description: Clanging sound of loose components.

Potential Causes:

Recommended Action: Tighten any unsecured parts, such as loose bolts, screws, or panels. Contact a furnace repair professional in cases of heat exchanger damage, as this can develop into a more serious issue.

4. Booming

Description: Loud crashing sound when the furnace starts up.

Potential Causes:

Recommended Action: Schedule a professional furnace inspection immediately, as the buildup of flammable gas can be dangerous.

5. Humming

Description: Low, constant whirring sound.

Potential Causes:

Recommended Action: If your furnace is making a humming noise thatโ€™s louder than usual, check the blower motor for issues. An unbalanced blower motor can vibrate, possibly explaining the unusually loud humming sound.

6. Chirping

Description: Sounds similar to birds chirping.

Potential Causes:

Recommended Action: If persistent, have a heating repair professional adjust or lubricate any worn or misaligned parts.

Why It’s Important to Address Furnace Noises

Your furnace is a complex machine, meticulously designed to convert a fuel source into heat and disperse warmth throughout your indoor living spaces. Every sound it makes is purposeful, so when you hear inexplicable or loud noises coming from your heating system, itโ€™s likely an indicator that something isnโ€™t functioning right.ย 

For this reason, if you hear any of the bizarre warning signs outlined above, schedule a professional furnace inspection as soon as possible. Handling these furnace noises sooner rather than later is important because it:

What to Do If Your Furnace is Making Unusual Noises

Generally speaking, if your furnace is making strange noises, there are a handful of basic troubleshooting steps you can take to eliminate the problem โ€”or, at the very least,ย  identify its source.ย 

  1. As a safety precaution, always start by shutting off the furnace, especially if you smell gas or burning odorsย 
  2. Check the air filter โ€” clean and replace it, if necessary
  3. Check your fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses
  4. Tighten any loose panels, screws, or other components
  5. Lubricate worn bearings or other moving parts

Note: If you donโ€™t know how to perform any of these steps or donโ€™t feel comfortable doing them yourself, call an HVAC professional. Especially in hazardous situations where you risk fire or electric shock, itโ€™s important to rely on furnace experts who possess the right know-how and protection for the job.

The Takeaway

Now that we understand the different furnace noises and what they mean, itโ€™s time to reinforce the importance of scheduling regular furnace maintenance to prevent noise-related issues from happening in the first place. At T. Webber, we specialize in furnace replacement and installation, which means we also know exactly how to repair and maintain these complicated machines before they break down.ย 

If your furnace is making strange noises, donโ€™t ignore them. Contact T. Webber for knowledgeable HVAC inspection and furnace repair.

If youโ€™ve ever had your heat cut in the middle of winter, you know from experience how important it is to have a reliable heating system installed in your home. In those moments, you donโ€™t care whatโ€™s heating your home โ€” you just need relief from the cold. However, taking the time to evaluate your options and choosing the right heating system for your home can provide benefits beyond warmth and comfort.ย 

In the following article, weโ€™ll review the two most popular types of heating systems โ€” boiler vs. furnace โ€” and compare their impact on indoor air quality, energy costs, and overall heating effectiveness. By the time youโ€™re done reading this, we hope that you understand the difference between a boiler and a furnace and that youโ€™ll be able to make an informed decision about which system is best for your home.

What Is a Boiler?

A boiler is a central heating system that uses water to distribute heat throughout your home. Unlike furnaces that heat air and circulate it through ductwork, boilers operate by heating water within a vessel using various fuel sources such as gas, oil, or electricity. They then distribute this heat through a network of pipes to radiators or radiant floor systems.ย 

Types of Boilers

Advantages of a Boiler

Disadvantages of a Boiler

What Is a Furnace?

Sometimes referred to as forced air heating systems, furnaces burn natural gas, oil, electricity, or propane to heat air. This warm air is then distributed throughout your home via air ducts. Furnaces are typically installed in closets, basements, or attics, making them inconspicuous and, therefore, the most commonly used heating system in residential properties.ย 

Types of Furnaces

Pros of Using a Furnace

Cons of Using a Furnace

Key Differences Between Boilers and Furnaces

Heating Method

Boilers: Radiant heating โ€” fuel sources include natural gas, oil, and electricity

Furnaces: Forced air heating โ€” fuel sources include natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity

Energy Efficiency

Boilers: Ratings of up to 95% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

Furnaces: Ratings of up to 98.5% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

Installation, Maintenance, and Cost

Boilers: While typically higher in upfront installation costs, boilers have fewer moving parts than furnaces and are relatively easy to maintain over time

Furnaces: While easier to install, furnaces have lower upfront costs and are also relatively easy to maintain over time

Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Boilers: Little to no impact on indoor air quality because they do not circulate airborne pollutants

Furnaces: With forced air acting as a mechanism, furnaces can circulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants through the air in your living spaces

Which Heating System is Right for You?

Factors to Consider

The best heating option for you depends on your home size, climate, existing infrastructure, budget, and personal preferences.

Scenarios Where a Boiler is Best

Boilers are ideal for homes with radiant heating systems or those prioritizing energy efficiency and air quality. Theyโ€™re also more practical in colder climates since they heat more consistently.

Scenarios Where a Furnace is Best

Furnaces are ideal for homes in need of quick heating or those with existing ductwork. Because they can be installed in closets or crawl spaces, they also take up less space and are better suited for smaller homes.

Takeaways

While furnaces and boilers have their share of drawbacks and benefits, they both remain popular and effective heating options for most residential properties. Homeowners should carefully weigh the pros and cons outlined in this article to determine the best system for their heating needs.ย 

At T. Webber, we encourage anyone debating the difference between a boiler and a furnace to consult with an HVAC professional. Boiler installation and furnace replacement are two of our specialties, so we can provide expert guidance while you evaluate this important, long-term decision.

When itโ€™s time to replace your furnace, there are several factors to consider. One of the first decisions youโ€™ll have to make is whether you want a single stage furnace, a two-stage furnace or a variable speed furnace. Since each of these systems works in different ways, itโ€™s important to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision.

Here is some more information on single-stage, two-stage, and variable speed furnaces, along with their differences.

Single Stage Vs. Two Stage Vs. Variable Speed Furnaces

New Furnace in Poughkeepsie

If youโ€™re thinking about getting a new furnace in Poughkeepsie or the surrounding areas, contact T.Webber today. Our HVAC technicians are here to help you choose the type of system that is best suited to your home as well as your familyโ€™s needs, and we offer prompt, professional installation. If you need a new furnace in Poughkeepsie, call 845-288-2777 today!

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