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, donโt 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.
Letโs 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, weโll 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:
- Delayed ignition
- Expanding/contracting ductwork
- Igniting pockets of gas buildup
- Dirty furnace burners
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:
- Worn-out blower motor belts
- Faulty bearings
Recommended Action: If your furnace has a belt-drive blower motor, replace the belt and lubricate moving parts. If you donโt know how to do this (or donโt feel comfortable doing it yourself), call an HVAC repair technician for assistance.
3. Rattling
Description: Clanging sound of loose components.
Potential Causes:
- Loose panels or screws
- Frayed or cracked fan belt
- Cracked heat exchanger
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:
- Delayed ignition of gas
- Dirty burners, causing gas buildup
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:
- Normal motor operation (if the humming is soft)
- Blower motor issues (if the humming is loud)
Recommended Action: If your furnace is making a humming noise thatโs 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:
- Furnace parts warming up after long periods of inactivity
- Misaligned blower wheel
- Worn bearings
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, itโs likely an indicator that something isnโt 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:
- Prevents further furnace damage, avoiding higher repair costs
- Safeguards from potential safety hazards
- Improves energy efficiency and lowers energy bills
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 โor, at the very least,ย identify its source.ย
- As a safety precaution, always start by shutting off the furnace, especially if you smell gas or burning odorsย
- Check the air filter โ clean and replace it, if necessary
- Check your fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses
- Tighten any loose panels, screws, or other components
- Lubricate worn bearings or other moving parts
Note: If you donโt know how to perform any of these steps or donโt feel comfortable doing them yourself, call an HVAC professional. Especially in hazardous situations where you risk fire or electric shock, itโs 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, itโs 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, donโt ignore them. Contact T. Webber for knowledgeable HVAC inspection and furnace repair.
If youโve 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 donโt care whatโs 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, weโll 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 youโre done reading this, we hope that you understand the difference between a boiler and a furnace and that youโll 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
- Steam boilers: With the help of electrical ignition, water is heated until it turns into steam (about 212ยฐF). The steam then travels from the boiler into a network of pipes and radiators, distributing heat throughout your home.
- Hot water boilers: Using oil or gas fuel, energy is produced to heat water in a vessel. The hot water is then circulated through radiators or radiant floor systems.
- Gas boilers: Natural gas or propane is fed into a sealed chamber where it is combusted to create heat. This heat is then absorbed by a water-filled pipe and transferred throughout your home with the help of radiators.
- Oil boilers: Oil burners work the same way as gas boilers. Instead of relying on natural gas or propane as the fuel source, they utilize oil.
Advantages of a Boiler
- Energy efficiency: Boilers use less energy than furnaces because water transfers heat more effectively than air.
- Longevity: With fewer moving parts, boilers operate quietly and can last up to 30 years, outlasting most other heating systems.
- Even heat distribution: Radiant heat from boilers spreads more evenly through a space, reducing cold spots and heating rooms consistently.
- Improved air quality: Unlike forced-air systems, boilers don’t circulate dust or allergens through the air.
Disadvantages of a Boiler
- Higher initial cost: Boilers typically have a higher upfront installation cost compared to furnaces.
- No built-in air conditioning: Unlike forced-air systems, boilers can’t be easily integrated with central air conditioning.
- Slower heating: While radiant heat is more even, it may take longer to initially heat a cold room compared to forced-air systems.
- Risk of leaks: Water-based systems can potentially leak, causing water damage if not installed properly.
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
- Natural Gas: Gas furnaces are the most common types of furnaces found in homes. Theyโre connected to municipal gas lines which feed the natural gas along burners to create combustion (heat energy). Fans then circulate this heated air into your ductwork where it is distributed throughout the living spaces in your home.
- Electric: Electric furnaces employ electric heating elements to warm the air. They are usually smaller and less expensive than other types of furnaces and serve as a suitable option for homes without gas lines.
- Oil: Similar to gas furnaces, oil systems use oil as the fuel source and are often used in colder regions without access to natural gas.
Pros of Using a Furnace
- Lower upfront cost: Furnaces generally come with lower initial installation costs compared to boilers.
- Reliable heating: Furnaces warm homes faster than boilers and have more responsive temperature controls, even during the harshest winters.
- Less maintenance: Furnaces require less maintenance than other heating systems like heat pumps. They are also easier to install, especially in homes with existing ductwork.
Cons of Using a Furnace
- Higher operating costs: Depending on the fuel source, furnaces can have lower energy efficiency than boilers and are often more expensive to run.ย
- Fire and explosion risk: Gas furnaces carry a risk of fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly maintained.
- Uneven heat distribution: Furnaces can produce hot and cold spots in a home due to the way air circulates โ not to mention the blower and ducts generate excess noise.
- Poor air quality: Because of the forced air, furnaces can circulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants through the air.
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. Theyโre 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 itโs time to replace your furnace, there are several factors to consider. One of the first decisions youโll 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, itโs 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
- Single Stage: A single stage furnace only has one setting โ high. That means that whenever this type of furnace kicks on, itโs running at full blast. Because theyโre always running at maximum capacity regardless of the outside temperature, single stage furnaces are less energy efficient than two stage and variable speed systems.
- Two Stage: Two-stage furnaces have both low and high settings. They operate on the low setting approximately 75% of the time, but the kick into high gear anytime an extra boost is needed to bring your home to the desired temperature. Because they run at low speed, they generally stay on for longer periods of time than single stage furnaces, but they heat homes more evenly. Theyโre also quieter than single stage furnaces.
- Variable Speed: Variable speed furnaces have blower motors that operate at varying speeds to control air flow throughout the home. They constantly monitor temperature and automatically adjust blower settings as necessary. Variable speed furnaces are efficient, quiet and offer the greatest comfort for homeowners.
New Furnace in Poughkeepsie
If youโre 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 familyโs needs, and we offer prompt, professional installation. If you need a new furnace in Poughkeepsie, call 845-288-2777 today!