For the most part, winters in Chicago are quite cold. Having a working furnace will keep you warm. However, when the furnace breaks, the cold weather can make your home uncomfortable and hazardous. Therefore, you must notice any signs of breakage in your furnace.
Pay attention to any loud rattling or grinding noise coming from the furnace. If you hear loud noises, keep reading to learn what to do.
The Main Causes of Furnace Rattling
Furnaces have a lot of parts. If you hear rattling in your furnace when the blower is on, it’s likely benign caused by one of the following issues.
A loose panel or screw in the heat exchanger
These parts commonly break off over time. Moreover, there’s a greater risk if your air ducts and burners are dirty. Too much debris can cause internal disruptions and lead to excessive noise.
Broken motor fan
Typically, furnace blower fan rattling noises stem from a fan belt issue. This is due to the motor fan breaking off from the motor bearings. As a result, you’ll hear the blower wheel grind against the bearings which can be loud and unsettling.
Exhaust vents blockage
Trapped air can cause noise in your furnace if you have blocked exhaust pipes trapping the air inside.
Dirty burners and pilots
If your pilot light gets clogged, the furnace may make deep rumbling sounds as it tries to start heating.
Loose access hatch bolts
Sometimes the solution can be as simple as tightening loose bolts in the furnace’s access panel. Regular operation and vibration can loosen these bolts over time.
Worn fan belts
The blower motor fan belt can become cracked or frayed with time. When this happens, it creates a distinctive rattling sound as it moves.
What to Do if You Hear Furnace Noises
Fortunately, a noisy furnace is not the end of the world. However, if your furnace makes rattling or grinding noises, call a professional. They will thoroughly inspect the unit checking for issues and causes of the problem. Afterward, they will make the appropriate repairs to fix it.
Usually, a repair technician will replace broken parts with new ones. But in some cases, replacing the furnace might make more sense. If your furnace is already nearing the end of its life, paying for expensive repairs may be a waste of money. If a different part gives out the following year, you’ll be back at square one. Often, it makes no sense to repair an older unit when you could have put that money toward a new furnace instead.
Important Safety Considerations
When dealing with a rattling furnace, safety should be your top priority. We understand it’s tempting to investigate the noise yourself. However, most furnace repairs require professional expertise. This guarantees safety and proper function.
The one exception is if you suspect loose access panel bolts – in this case, you can check them yourself. Just be sure to shut off power to the furnace first as a safety precaution.
How Deljo Can Help
At Deljo, we’ll explain the issue and your options for moving forward. We’ll always consider your needs and budget before producing a professional recommendation. We have the knowledge and experience to identify and address your furnace’s issues. Our quality, affordable solutions will keep you warm all year long.
