Why Is My Furnace Rattling?

Furnaces tend to make some strange noises, but do you know which ones are normal and which ones are signs of problems? Different brands and types of furnaces make their own strange noises but rattling is a common issue. Knowing what the problem might be can save you time and money. Here are a few possible causes of the rattling noise from your furnace to help you decide if your furnace needs repairs or if it’s actually working just fine.

Bad Motor Bearing or Cracked Fan Belt

When the metal inside cools down, your furnace may rattle. However, if this rattle noise is happening when the furnace is first started up, it may be an issue with the motor bearing or a cracked fan belt.

Loose Cover Panels

If the furnace is making a rattling noise while running, it could be a loose cover panel. You should be able to tighten it yourself. If the rattle continues after the cover panels have been tightened, the rattle may be caused by another problem.

Malfunction in the Motor or Blower

The rattle could be caused by a more serious issue. Your furnace could be making a rattling noise because a blower is out of alignment or there was a malfunction in the motor.

A Vibrating Water Pipe

If your furnace is making a rattling noise about 30 seconds before the blower kicks in, the sound may be coming from a vibrating water pipe.

Problem With the Heat Exchanger

If your heat exchanger has a crack, it could be creating noises in your furnace. If you think this might be the case, call a professional to check out your furnace as soon as possible. If you don’t, carbon monoxide could leak into the ductwork, which is a big problem.

If you still hear rattling noises and cannot find the problem, call a qualified technician to come inspect the furnace. When in doubt, it is best to take the safe route and call a professional. An HVAC technician can help you determine where the noise is coming from and prevent any further breakdowns. Furnaces always seem to break down on the coldest days of the year, that’s why Superior Water and Air offers our Utah furnace repair services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can be sure that when you need us most, we’ll be there to safeguard your family’s comfort and safety.

In a bind and need your furnace repaired immediately? Call the direct line to our furnace department (801) 438-4910.