Your furnace is buzzing – but why? One thing’s for sure: it’s time to find out, and fast. Understanding why your heater or air conditioner is making loud noises can keep you from experiencing expensive breakdowns.
If the sound is left unchecked, it could result in more than just a little added frustration – it could result in lots of added expense.
If you’re been worried about your furnace buzzing, read on! We’re going to cover six possible causes of your furnace’s strange sounds and some possible fixes.
1. Loose Transformer Box
Any time your furnace starts making odd noises like buzzing or humming, it is worth checking to see what is causing the problem. One of the possible causes of a noisy furnace is a loose transformer box. This is a small box usually attached to the furnace that helps to convert electricity into the power required for the furnace to operate.
If it becomes loose it can vibrate and cause a loud buzzing noise. To determine if the transformer box is causing the noise, check to ensure it is firmly secured to the furnace. If it is, then the problem is likely elsewhere.
If it is not, then reattaching it firmly should resolve the problem. If the problem persists, then it is best to have a certified technician come in to diagnose the issue. You can check with Residential Heating Services for a service provider of repair for furnace mechanical components.
2. Broken Blower Motor
Furnace humming could indicate a failed or broken blower motor. The motor is responsible for turning the fan blades to push warm air out of the ventilation system, and when it stops working, the furnace will start to buzz.
Possible causes of a broken blower motor include a faulty capacitor, loose wires, lack of lubricant, and a clogged filter, all of which can cause a buzzing sound in the furnace.
The motor itself could be malfunctioning, or it could have become worn from extended use. If your furnace is buzzing, it is important to inspect the blower motor and its components to determine the cause. From there, you can take the necessary steps to fix the issue.
3. Faulty Capacitor
Rattling noises in the furnace can be both annoying and concerning. One possible cause of the issue could be a faulty capacitor. Capacitors help create an electric field, helping motors or other systems to run.
It is a small electrical device that regulates the amount of current passed into the motor in the furnace’s blower. Since the capacitor works to regulate energy flow, a broken capacitor can cause an electric current to be passed to the motor, leading to a buzzing sound.
The capacitors fail when they become too hot, or when the connections of the capacitor become corroded. To check if the capacitor is the cause of the furnace’s buzzing, you will need to turn off the power to the furnace, remove the plastic housing from the circuit board, and inspect the capacitor for signs of smoke, burning, corrosion, discoloration, bulging, or other damages.
If any of these are present, it is advised to contact a professional for assistance as capacitors can give off an electric shock if tampered with.
4. Loose Air Ducts
A common cause of your furnace buzzing is loose air ducts. If the ducts become separated from the register due to banging, aging, or poor installation, the interior of the ducts can rub against its frame, resulting in a buzzing sound.
Buzzing from loose air ducts can also occur if the ductwork is too small for the fan unit, resulting in a higher air velocity that can cause the components to vibrate against one another.
If the ductwork size is too large for the fan unit, too much air can be lost which will reduce the efficiency of the entire system. If you notice buzzing coming from your furnace, have an HVAC contractor inspect the system to ensure that all of the components are correctly sized and fastened securely.
5. Improper Temperature Setting
Improper temperature setting is a common cause of a noisy furnace. Usually, this is a sign that the thermostat is set too high or too low. When your furnace is set too high, the heat exchanger will start to overheat, which will trigger the buzzer to indicate an error.
Air trapped in the heat exchanger can cause the same issue. If your thermostat is set too low, there may be an issue with the flame.
The flame should only come on if the temperature is the right level and will shut off if it gets too low, but if it’s not shutting off, the burner will cycle on and off and the buzzing sound will start. By inspecting the system and adjusting the temperature setting, you should be able to solve this issue and put an end to the buzzing.
6. Gas Valve Malfunction
Gas valve malfunction is one of the six possible causes of a buzzing furnace. The gas valve opens and closes to allow natural gas to flow to the furnace burners. If the gas valve becomes loose or corroded it can begin to buzz, resulting in a disturbance in the quiet of your home.
In some cases, the loose connection may cause a faint smell of natural gas, a sign that the gas valve needs immediate attention before it jeopardizes the safety of your home. Even the smallest amount of natural gas inhaled over a long period can have serious implications on your health.
If you suspect this is the culprit, it is best to start by making sure the gas supply is shut off and the power is disconnected from the furnace before making repairs.
If you are not comfortable repairing it yourself, call a professional as gas leaks can be extremely dangerous. When they arrive, they will likely just need to replace the faulty piece and check for any other potential issues such as a faulty thermocouple which controls the gas flow.
Check Out These Possible Causes of Furnace Buzzing
Check out these possible causes if you’ve been hearing your furnace buzzing. Continual buzzing coming from your furnace can be a sign of several potential issues. If your issue is not resolved, it is best to contact your local HVAC professional for a detailed assessment.
Ignoring the issue can cause further damage to your system, resulting in higher repair expenses. Take action now to fix the issue quickly!
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