Heater Making Strange Noises? What It Means and How to Fix It

If your heater is making unusual noises, don’t ignore them! Strange sounds coming from your furnace or heat pump can signal a range of issues—from minor fixes to serious mechanical failures. Whether you live in Morgantown, WV, or Pittsburgh, PA, understanding what these noises mean can help you address problems early and avoid costly breakdowns.

Here’s a guide to the most common heater noises, what they mean, and what you can do about them.

1. Banging or Booming Sounds

What It Means:

A loud bang or boom when your Morgantown heating or Pittsburgh heating starts up is often caused by a delayed gas ignition. This happens when gas builds up in the combustion chamber before igniting, leading to a mini-explosion. Over time, this can damage the heat exchanger—a costly repair.

How to Fix It:

• Shut off your furnace and call a Morgantown HVAC or Pittsburgh HVAC professional immediately. This issue involves gas buildup, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
• A technician will check for dirty burners, low gas pressure, or ignition problems and ensure that your system is venting properly to prevent carbon monoxide risks.
• Because delayed ignition can damage the heat exchanger—a costly and potentially hazardous issue—it’s crucial to schedule a Morgantown heating repair as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your home’s safety.

2. Screeching or Squealing Noises

What It Means:

High-pitched screeching or squealing usually indicates an issue with the blower motor or belt. It could be due to a worn-out belt, motor bearings in need of lubrication, or a failing blower motor.

How to Fix It:

• If you hear a squeal when your heater turns on, it’s best to turn it off and check for visible belt wear.
• Call a professional to lubricate or replace the blower motor components.
• Routine Morgantown heating maintenance can prevent this from happening.

3. Rattling or Clanking Noises

What It Means:

A rattling or clanking sound could mean a loose part inside your heater—such as a broken blower wheel, loose screws, or a detached duct component.

How to Fix It:

• Turn off the system and inspect for loose parts, which could be located in the blower motor, heat exchanger, ductwork connections, or even loose screws in the furnace casing.
• If you can’t locate the source, it’s time for a professional inspection.
• Neglecting this could lead to more extensive (and expensive) damage.

4. Humming or Buzzing Sounds

What It Means:

A low humming or buzzing noise might not seem urgent, but it can indicate electrical issues, a failing blower motor, or a loose transformer.

How to Fix It:

• Check if the noise is coming from the furnace cabinet—this is the outer casing that houses key components like the blower motor, heat exchanger, and control board. If the noise is coming from here, it could be an electrical issue.
• Turn off power to your heating system and call a licensed HVAC technician.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient heating system if electrical components are aging.

5. Whistling or Whooshing Noises

What It Means:

A whistling or whooshing sound typically means airflow problems caused by a clogged filter, closed vents, or a problem with the ductwork.

How to Fix It:

• Replace your air filter if it hasn’t been changed in a while.
• Make sure all vents in your home are open and unobstructed.
• If the issue persists, have your ductwork inspected for leaks or blockages.

Don’t Ignore Heater Noises—Schedule a Repair Today!

Strange heater noises should never be ignored. Addressing them early can prevent expensive repairs and ensure your home stays warm throughout winter.

If your heating system in Morgantown, WV, or Pittsburgh, PA is making concerning noises, contact Absolute Air today for expert diagnosis and repairs.