Gas furnace noises are often the first sign that something is wrong with your heating system. Strange sounds can point to issues ranging from minor wear and tear to serious safety concerns, so it’s important to understand what you’re hearing and when to call for furnace repair.
Strange Furnace Noises and What They Mean
A little sound when your furnace starts or stops is normal, but new, loud, or persistent noises usually mean a problem. Identifying the type of sound is a good first step toward figuring out what’s going on.
1. Grinding or Scraping
A furnace making grinding or metallic scraping noises is often caused by a loose or broken blower wheel or a stray piece of hardware (like a screw or bolt) lodged in the blower fan or motor. Continued operation can damage the blower motor or wheel, leading to an expensive repair.
What to do:
Turn the furnace off at the thermostat and call Kearney for gas furnace repair. Our technicians will inspect, clean, and test the blower assembly as part of your furnace service, preventing further damage.
2. Loud Rumbling
Loud rumbling noises from a furnace often indicate burner problems. Over time, soot and dirt can build up on the burners and restrict airflow, which causes that deep rumble you hear. This can lead to higher energy bills and potential combustion or venting issues if left unchecked.
What to do:
Schedule a professional cleaning and inspection. During a furnace performance tune-up, we clean components, check combustion, and verify safe operation to resolve rumbling noises and improve performance.
3. High-Pitched Screeching or Whistling
High-pitched furnace noises are common complaints in older systems. A screeching sound may come from dry blower motor bearings or a loose or worn fan belt. A whistling sound can point to restricted airflow from a dirty air filter or blocked return air vents. These issues create extra strain on motors and components, and can lead to uneven comfort.
What to do:
Try checking and replacing your air filter; if the noise continues, call for furnace service. Kearney’s furnace maintenance includes lubricating moving parts where needed, checking belts, and looking for airflow issues so these noises don’t turn into bigger repairs.
4. Thumping or Banging
A natural gas furnace banging noise, especially a loud bang right when the furnace starts, needs prompt attention. Possible causes include ignition issues, duct expansion, and an unbalanced blower wheel. Not only can ongoing banging loosen connections and reduce your system’s lifespan, but it can be dangerous as well.
What to do:
Turn the furnace off and call for HVAC repair immediately. Kearney’s NATE‑certified technicians can diagnose the source of the banging, make necessary repairs, and test for safe operation.
How Preventive Maintenance Stops Furnace Noise Problems
Many gas heater noise issues can be prevented with regular furnace maintenance. Dust buildup, worn parts, and lack of lubrication often lead to the grinding, rumbling, and screeching sounds homeowners notice in mid‑winter. A professional tune‑up helps catch problems before a noisy furnace becomes a no‑heat emergency.
Enrolling in a Kearney preventative maintenance agreement gives you annual tune‑ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on furnace repair and new equipment, helping protect your heating system and your budget.
Call Kearney for Noisy Furnace Help in MA & NH
If your gas furnace is making loud, unusual, or worrying noises, it’s best not to ignore them. Kearney HVAC provides prompt furnace service and repair across the North Shore of Massachusetts and the Seacoast of New Hampshire, from Amesbury and Newburyport to Exeter and Hampton. In addition to gas furnaces, Kearney services boilers, heat pumps, and dual fuel systems, delivering expert diagnostics and long‑term solutions for every type of home heating system.
