Are you having heating issues in your home? Call (281) 628-2360 to schedule top-rated furnace maintenance and repair technicians from BVS Home Experts.
Your furnace defends against frigid winter temperatures. However, when you start hearing strange noises during furnace operations, you may worry about impending system failure.
Furnaces make many different noises while running. You might wonder, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” In this blog, we’ll highlight the different reasons why your furnace might be whistling and how to handle the problem.
Although whistling may not signal a major issue, you may need to call for furnace repair in Sugar Land, TX. HVAC experts from BVS Home Experts offer comprehensive furnace repair and HVAC services for residential and commercial properties. Call today to resolve the furnace whistling.
Is Furnace Noise Normal?
It’s not abnormal for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to make some noise. Considering the various electrical and mechanical components at work to warm your home, you’ll likely always hear a low hum while your furnace operates. However, the type, volume, and frequency of the noise coming from your furnace provide an indication of potential issues.
10 Reasons Why Your Furnace Might Whistle
If you hear whistling when your furnace powers on, you might start worrying. While the sound could indicate a major issue, there are also simple reasons why electric and gas furnaces make this noise. Understanding the various reasons why your furnace whistles can help you resolve the issue quickly.
1. Obstructed Return Vents
Your return vents recycle air within your property so your HVAC systems can temper it to your liking. Obstructions of these vents reduce energy efficiency issues and introduce sounds like whistling.
Dirt, debris, furniture, and wall hangings can all obstruct your return vents and cause whistling. If you’re wondering, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” inspect and clear the areas around your return vents. Solving this airflow issue could eliminate the sound.
2. Blocked Supply Vents
Just as obstructions to your return vents can cause whistling, blocked supply vents can also cause this noise. In this case, the whistling results from the pressure supply vent obstructions create inside your ductwork.
When you block supply vents, it stifles air entering your home. This airflow restriction increases the pressure and speed of air in your ductwork while forcing your blower motor to work harder. As a result, blocked supply vents will yield whistling.
3. Closed Dampers
Most supply vents have dampers that allow you to control airflow in different rooms. If you shut these dampers, it could cause whistling from an air leak. However, this does not necessarily create issues for your furnace.
4. Blower Wheel Issues
The blower wheel provides the movement within your motor unit to push warm air throughout your ductwork and home. Any problems with this mechanism, such as loosening or damage, can cause a whistling noise.
Since this is a crucial mechanical component, you may need to call HVAC professionals if other troubleshooting does not resolve the whistling. You can also check your blower wheel by turning off your system and looking into the motor.
5. Malfunctioning or Worn-Out Blower Motor
As a blower motor wears out and nears its expiration, it will start working harder to push air through your system. The increased speed and power needed to continue warming your home can cause a whistling sound. In these cases, you’ll need experts to inspect and replace the blower fan.
6. Improperly Sized Return Grilles
While wondering, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” you probably aren’t considering the size of your return grilles. The actual grilles that cover your return vents can create noises if they are too small. When your grilles are too small, the air has to force its way through to recycle into your furnace, creating a whistling sound.
7. Closed Doors
Most furnaces operate as a “forced air” system, which requires free airflow throughout your property to function correctly.
Keeping doors closed could block some of the airflow necessary to enable your furnace operations. As a result, closing doors could lead to whistling as air fights its way into different spaces.
8. Dirty Air Ducts
Dirt, debris, and bacteria naturally accumulate on your air ducts, but as they become too dirty, your ducts could start making strange noises during operation. In certain cases, professionals will need to provide a professional duct cleaning service to resolve whistling.
9. Dirty Air Filters
Similar to your ducts, dirty air filters can also lead to whistling. As your air filters accumulate dust and debris, it will also naturally limit airflow. Check your air filters for signs of excess dirt when you hear whistling.
10. Improperly Sized HVAC System
Believe it or not, oversized HVAC systems can cause various issues, including a whistling noise. When your furnace is too large, it pushes too much air through your ducts.
With this increased pressure, you could start hearing whistling. Oversized units can also cause warping and gaps in your ducts that can lead to an air leak and other adversities for your HVAC system.
Other Furnace Noises To Monitor
Other sounds coming from your furnace could indicate a problem. Remain aware of any of the following noises:
- Clanking
- Hissing
- Grinding
- Rattling
- Clicking
- High-pitched squeal
- Banging
- Popping
Preventing Furnace Issues
Calling HVAC experts for yearly maintenance is the best way to prevent future furnace issues. Our team at BVS Home Experts can service your system annually to prevent strange noises and reduced operational capacity.
Enlist Top-Rated HVAC Maintenance With BVS Home Experts
You might still be wondering what can cause a furnace to stop working — that’s OK! Our HVAC experts at BVS Home Experts provide comprehensive guidance on the causes of various furnace problems. Our professionals can efficiently repair and maintain all your home comfort systems to ensure you stay comfortable throughout seasonal temperature changes.
Still wondering, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” Call (281) 628-2360 to learn more about the various noises that could be coming from your furnace.
