When your system is operating perfectly, the only sound you'll hear from your furnace will be a gentle clicking as the unit turns on and off. If you hear anything else coming from your air vents, such as a hissing, screeching, or even a clicking sound that won't stop, then that should merit at least a quick inspection. Listen for the four sounds listed below, and contact a furnace repair service to have it looked at if there are any concerns.
Grinding
A metal grinding sound is usually only one thing: fan blades. If a fan blade has become loose or dislodged somehow, it can spin and scratch along the inside of your furnace, not only rendering your system ineffective but potentially causing major damage that will eventually require a replacement. It's best to schedule a furnace repair appointment as soon as you can to mitigate the damage and to protect your eardrums from the horrendous sound.
Hissing
Unless you've somehow found snakes inside your air vents, a hissing sound usually indicates that there's a leak somewhere. Most likely this is caused by the ductwork itself beginning to separate, but in some cases, it can also be a puncture inside your ductwork that is allowing air to release at a rapid rate. While the unit itself may be fully functional, there's no doubt that your utility bills will begin to skyrocket as the energy continues to leave your home into the atmosphere.
Clicking
As mentioned above, a single clicking sound when your unit turns on and off is completely normal. A continual clicking sound, on the other hand, indicates that your system is having a hard time turning over and staying on, which can cause the motor to burn up and cause your system to work harder to heat and cool your home in the meantime. A furnace repair service can take care of this easily, as it is usually a problem with the ignition. As simple as that may sound, this is still a job that requires a professional, so schedule furnace repair services if you hear a clicking sound coming from your air vents.
Rattling
If your ductwork sounds like a can of BBs rattling around, then the truth may not be that far off. Over time, a bolt can fall off of a connection point or a piece of metal can chip off of the motor and bang around inside the ductwork, causing an annoying clanking sound whenever air is being circulated. Though it's not too much of a concern from the point of view of your furnace, it can be a major problem down the road as the unit starts to fall apart. Have it replaced as soon as you can to ensure your system lasts as long as possible.
Contact a furnace repair service for more information.
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