Should My Furnace Be Sounding Like This?!

If you have owned your heating oil furnace for a few years, you probably know the sounds it makes when it’s doing its job – a hum here, a click there, an occasional WHOOSH, and not much more than that.

But sometimes, it makes a sound that you don’t expect – a bang or a rattle for example. These unusual sounds could indicate a problem that needs a look from a heating repair professional.

Strange Furnace Sounds Possible Causes

Here are three problems that could lead to your furnace making strange noises this heating season.

• Dust/debris – If too much dust and debris gets inside your furnace (often because of a problem with your air filter), it can damage moving parts and make the operation of your furnace noisier overall. A dirty gas burner, for example, will make a low rumbling noise, while poorly lubricated ball bearings will create a high-pitched squeal. Try replacing a dirty air filter (you should examine it every thirty days during the winter) and see if the problem goes away; if not, contact a heating contractor.
• A broken motor – An overworked or poorly maintained furnace motor can malfunction or even burn out, resulting in a noticeable humming or whirring noise. If you hear these types of sounds, call for service right away to avoid a no-heat emergency.
• Oil pump problems – An oil-fired furnace has an oil pump, which operates quietly when it’s working properly. But under duress, a pump may whine, rattle, buzz, or make other odd noises, and each noise indicates a different condition within your furnace. An experienced heating technician will recognize these sounds, know what they mean, and know how best to address the problem they represent.

The Bottom Line: Don’t DIY Your Furnace!

A modern furnace is a complicated piece of equipment, and tampering with it without proper training can be dangerous: a significant electric shock or exposure to a potentially dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide in your Hudson Valley home are just two potential consequences of improper maintenance. If you have a heating problem, always call a professional – for safety’s sake!

Keep your furnace purring all winter long with quality heating oil at low prices from the pros at Valley Oil. Contact us today to learn more about heating oil deliveries in Dutchess and Ulster counties.