Although furnace problems will often result in changes in air temperature that you'll feel, you'll sometimes detect a problem with your other senses. A strange smell can be a sign of a gas leak, and seeing an increase in your energy bills is a sign your heater has lost some of its efficiency. 

But sometimes, you'll know there's a problem by the way your heater sounds. If your heater is making loud pops or squeaks or has started whistling or rattling, it's not normal, and it doesn't mean your house is haunted. It means it's time to call One Hour Heating & Air, located in Levittown, for the best heater repair in the Glenside area.

Why is my heater making a weird noise?

There are many different sounds a heater might make, depending on the exact problem. Loud noises may indicate a fan problem, but if these banging sounds only occur when the furnace first starts running, it's a sign of delayed ignition. Popping, rattling, or squeaking noises are signs of loose components within the heater. Duct gaps or other duct problems, meanwhile, may result in whistling sounds.  

Let's explain these problems in greater detail. 

Worn-Out Fan or Blower Bearings 

Furnaces use fans to prevent themselves from overheating. Like many other components, these fans experience wear and tear and will eventually need to be replaced. When your furnace starts making loud noises, it's a sign that replacement fan bearings are overdue.  

Delayed Ignition

One of the best ways to diagnose the source of your gas furnace's mysterious sound is to pay attention to when you hear these sounds. If a loud bang or boom results every time the furnace turns on, but at no other time, it's a sign of delayed ignition. Furnaces work by releasing gas from a valve and igniting the gas in the burner. Furnaces are designed to light this gas immediately, but when the gas is low or there's unburned oil in the furnace, ignition is delayed will eventually cause a small explosion (the loud noise you hear) when it finally occurs.     

Loose Components

Over time, several heater parts, such as the panels, may loosen, causing them to vibrate and make rattling or squeaking noises. 

Duct Gaps

Whistling is a sign of escaping air, most likely caused by a gap in the duct.  

To review these sounds and their most likely causes, watch this quick video: 

If you've been hearing any of these sounds, attempting repair by yourself may be dangerous. Contact the best heater repair company in the Newtown, PA area: One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Bucks County.