Furnaces often make slight humming sounds while operating. However, sometimes furnaces whistle when they turn on, causing many Streamwood homeowners to worry about the unusual sound. Most residents don’t know what the whistling signifies, leaving them wondering, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” To answer this question and more, Leith Heating & Cooling put together a few reasons why furnaces whistle and what you can do to resolve the issue.
Leith Heating & Cooling is one of Streamwood, IL’s most trusted heating and cooling companies. If you need expert furnace repair in Streamwood, contact Leith Heating & Cooling.
Four Reasons Why Furnaces Whistle
Furnaces heat Streamwood homes and businesses once frigid temperatures set it. Most utilize natural gas or propane to generate heat before pushing the warm air through the ductwork to distribute it throughout your property. They are some of the most common residential heating systems and are lifesavers once freezing temperatures take hold.
However, sometimes furnaces make peculiar whistling noises that can leave property owners scratching their heads. Many ask, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” and want to know if it is a cause for concern.
Furnaces whistle for several reasons, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause without understanding the system’s makeup. Some new furnaces whistle after installation, while others whistle when they experience a malfunction. Below are some common causes of furnace whistling.
1. Airflow Problems Within the Ductwork
The most common cause of furnace whistling doesn’t have to do with the furnace at all. Many homeowners mistake ductwork whistling for furnace whistling when their air ducts experience an airflow issue close to their unit. When a ductwork leak occurs, air seeps out of the tiny gap within its structure, creating a whistling noise.
Patching the ductwork leak will eliminate the irksome whistling noise while improving air distribution.
Whistling can also stem from restricted airflow within the return duct. In this scenario, clogs and incorrectly sized return ducts are the primary culprits of whistling, but other issues can create the sound as well. It’s best to contact an HVAC professional to assess your system and ductwork to pinpoint and resolve the problem.
2. Gas Leaks
Gas furnaces make next to no noise while operating. While some might make a slight humming noise, they shouldn’t whistle in any situation.
Gas furnace whistling is a telltale sign of a gas leak that requires immediate professional attention. Gas leaks are very serious and put you and your family at extreme risk. They can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your home, causing severe health issues and even death in some situations. Gas leaks also increase the risk of fires and explosions, further jeopardizing your family and home.
If your gas furnace starts whistling, evacuate your home and contact emergency services. They will determine what steps you should take next so you can resolve the leak safely and effectively.
3. Improper Installation
Furnaces are complex machines that require immense precision and expertise to install correctly. If someone installs your furnace improperly, it can cause it to whistle during operation while leaving it vulnerable to several other problems. It’s best to contact an experienced heating and cooling company to reinstall your unit if you hear whistling sounds while the furnace is running.
4. Blower Motor Problems
Blower motors can make multiple noises when they malfunction, including whistling. A lack of airflow can put tremendous stress on the blower motor, creating high-pitched whistling sounds as it pulls in air.
Changing the furnace’s air filter and opening all the vents will sometimes eliminate whistling. However, if the whistling persists, contact a professional technician to resolve it.
Other Furnace Sounds Every Streamwood Homeowner Should Know
Whistling isn’t the only sound furnaces make when they experience an issue. They can make multiple other sounds that often demand immediate attention. Below are a few other furnace sounds that every Streamwood homeowner should know.
Loud Bangs or Popping
While air ducts often subtly bang or pop as they expand and contract, loud banging and popping often indicate a serious problem. Excessively loud banging can signify dirty burners that stall ignition. It can also indicate issues within the ductwork, making it a bit difficult to diagnose the problem without professional training.
Always contact a professional furnace repair company if your unit generates loud banging and popping noises. They will determine the cause of the sounds and fix it expeditiously.
Rattling
Furnaces often rattle when an interior or exterior part becomes insecure. Exterior panels and doors can loosen as the unit operates, causing it to rattle over time. Detached and loose internal parts can cause rattling as well and can create other issues later on. Try to tighten the loose parts and see if the rattling subsides.
However, sometimes furnaces rattle due to a cracked heat exchanger. Heat exchanger cracks are very serious and can cause carbon monoxide to fill your home. You must contact a professional furnace repair company to resolve heat exchanger cracks as soon as possible if you believe your furnace suffers from one.
Scraping Noises
Scraping sounds typically indicate a broken blower wheel and can be somewhat alarming. It often occurs when the blower wheel rubs against the blower casing or becomes loose, creating significant wear and tear that takes a significant toll on your system over time. You must resolve blower wheel issues swiftly to protect your unit and prevent it from breaking down prematurely.
Contact Leith Heating & Cooling for Top-Quality Furnace Services in Streamwood, IL
If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace and wonder, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” contact Leith Heating & Cooling. Our team will fix any problems plaguing your furnace to prevent it from whistling while ensuring optimal operation. Whether you need furnace maintenance or want to know if the furnace gas valve is bad, Leith Heating & Cooling has you covered.
Contact Leith Heating & Cooling at (847) 565-1568 and schedule your appointment in Streamwood, IL, today!
