Many of the noises that occur in our homes fade into the static background of everyday life—but when you are feeling chilly in your Pittsburgh home and you hear a funny noise coming from your furnace, boiler, or heat pump, you’re going to want to get to the bottom of what that noise (and the ensuing heating problems) might be!
The heating technicians here at Calfo have (literally) heard it all when it comes to strange noises coming from an HVAC system. Here are the 5 most common heating sounds, and what they might mean for your home comfort and energy costs.
1. Banging, Thumping, or Booming
For gas furnaces, a loud thumping or booming sound could be caused by a gas buildup. This buildup happens when dirty burners delay the furnace ignition process. However, if your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off, it could be the sound of your ductwork expanding and contracting due to air pressure changes.
If this loud noise is coming from your boiler, it is likely due to limescale deposits that have built up over time, which are accumulating pressure in the boiler’s heat exchanger.
2. Screeching or Squealing
A high pitched screech or squeal coming from your heating system is usually caused by excess friction in fast-moving parts, like belts and blower fan bearings. A similar sound could also be caused by clogged air filters, which may make more of a whistling noise.
3. Gurgling
A gurgling sound coming from your boiler is often caused by air bubbles in your pipes. These bubbles may not pose much of a threat to your boiler, but they can affect its performance, which means your home will not be as comfortable as you might like. Fixing this issue involves draining the pipes, which should be handled by a water heating technician.
4. Clicking
One of the benefits of utilizing a heat pump for your home heating system is that it runs entirely on electricity. But if there is something wrong with the start capacitor of your heat pump, it could make a steady clicking noise. Resolving this electrical issue will require a professional HVAC technician.
5. Humming
If your furnace is making a loud buzzing noise or a low, steady hum, it is most likely an issue with the blower fan motor. This can stem from excess friction in the motor itself, or it could be the swan song for your blower fan motor. If you suspect your blower fan motor may be on its last legs, Calfo can help you determine if repairing or replacing will be the most economic option.
Keep Your Heating System Running Smoothly
Whether your noisy heating system just needs a quick repair or it’s time to say hello to a brand-new, energy-efficient furnace or heat pump, regular maintenance from the experts at Calfo will ensure your home is comfortable, energy efficient, and as noise-free as possible (at least where your HVAC system is concerned!). Schedule your boiler repair, furnace repair, or heat pump repair today!
