Like any household appliance, your furnace is likely to make some noise as it operates during the winter. While soft noise isn't something to worry about, loud, out-of-the-ordinary sounds could mean there is something wrong with your heating system. If you're a homeowner who's currently wondering, "Why is my furnace so loud?" It's safe to say you're not alone. Therefore, if you want to learn more about why this may be happening and how to go about fixing your furnace equipment, keep reading, as the team from Dunn Heating outlines this common household problem below.

How do I reduce the noise from my furnace?

Reducing noise from your furnace involves identifying the source of the noise and taking suitable measures to minimize it. Here are some general tips to help you reduce furnace noise:

Ensure your furnace is regularly serviced and well-maintained by a professional HVAC technician at least once a year.
Have a technician inspect your furnace for loose or vibrating parts. They can tighten any loose screws, bolts, or panels that may be causing the noises.
Look for any loose or broken parts in the ducting. To stop rattling or banging sounds, have a technician fix loose ducts and replace or repair damaged components.
Make sure that the ducting and the area surrounding the furnace are clear of impediments. Limited airflow or blocked vents might make the system work harder and produce a more significant amount of noise.

If you don’t feel comfortable looking at your heating system on your own to troubleshoot the issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local HVAC company for assistance.

Why is my furnace airflow so loud?

There are a number of reasons for noisy furnace airflow. Let's take a closer look at some of these below:

The furnace blower may have to work harder and produce more noise if the air filter is clogged or unclean. To guarantee adequate airflow, check and replace the air filter on a regular basis, usually every 1-3 months.
As air moves through loose or misaligned duct components, noises like rattling or banging may be produced.
Loud airflow may be the result of issues with the blower wheel or blower motor. This could involve problems like worn-out bearings, an imbalanced blower wheel, or a broken motor.
A higher speed setting for your furnace fan may be the cause of the noise.
Noisy airflow may be caused by duct leaks.
Furnaces that are older or less energy-efficient may make more noise while they operate. Consider an upgrade if your furnace is approaching or is at the end of its lifespan.

Are you supposed to hear your furnace?

While some noise is to be expected when a furnace is running, odd or extremely loud noises may point to more severe problems that need to be addressed.

Normal furnace sounds:

Sounds such as a low hum or a soft swish of air when the furnace starts or stops are generally considered normal. You may also hear noises as the burners ignite.

Strange furnace noises:

Unusual or excessive noises like grinding, screeching, banging, or rattling often indicate a problem. Noises like these could be signs of problems with the burners, ductwork, blower wheel, or blower motor. It is best to look into and take care of any new or strange sounds you hear.

When should I worry about my furnace noise?

If you notice any of the following, you should be concerned about the noise your furnace is making:

New or weird sounds:It is cause for concern if your furnace begins to produce noises that aren't the same as when it's usually working. Strange noises like screeching, grinding, slamming, or rattling could be signs of issues with different parts.
Loud operation:If your furnace has never operated very quietly before but all of a sudden starts to work loudly all the time, there may be a problem. Problems with the blower, ductwork, or other parts may be indicated by the consistently loud circulation of air or operating noise.
Performance changes:There might be an issue that needs to be addressed if you observe a drop in the efficiency of the heating system or the airflow combined with an increase in noise.
Burning odours:If your furnace is emitting burning aromas along with odd noises, there may be a problem with the burners or other heating components. For reasons of safety, this needs to be attended to straight away.

If you notice any of these signs around your home, it's essential that you address these problems as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently. Contacting a qualified HVAC technician for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs is the best course of action you can take in this scenario. Regular maintenance can also help prevent issues and keep your furnace running smoothly for as long as possible.

Is your home's furnace operating particularly loudly? If so, the professional HVAC team from Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help! Our certified HVAC technicians are available for all repair and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays, at no additional cost to you. We also offer same-day repair services in emergency cases.

Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning is pleased to work with homeowners throughout Brantford, Burlington, Ancaster, Brant, Campbellville, Dundas, Freelton, Puslinch, Troy, Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Binbrook, Caledonia, Carlisle, Flamborough, Morriston, Saint George, and Guelph. If you live in any of these communities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a repair appointment with us today.

You can book your repair appointment over the phone by giving the Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning team a call directly or using our online booking form. We look forward to partnering with you!