As the crisp air of fall and the biting cold of winter set in, many Vancouver residents are flipping their thermostats to heat to fight off the cold. However, if your furnace hasn’t been used in some time, you might notice that your furnace is nosier than you remember.

If this does occur, it is important to investigate the problem further, as it could be a sign of the following.

Loose or Damaged Blower Wheels

One common culprit for noise is loose or damaged blower wheels. If you hear a loud clanking or banging inside your furnace, it may indicate this problem. Similarly, the blower wheel in your furnace can become misaligned or bent during prolonged inactivity, causing unsettling sounds as it spins against other components.

Ignoring this issue doesn’t solve it and it could escalate into serious damage requiring expensive repairs or replacements. The good news is the wheels can be replaced quickly and affordably by an HVAC technician.

Dirty Burners

A build-up of dirt on burners might also explain the noise. When covered with grime, burners struggle to light evenly, resulting in a low rumbling akin to a distant storm brewing outside.

Over time, this uneven burning pattern stresses the system and affects efficiency—much like trying to ignite damp firewood takes longer and produces more smoke than dry logs would.

Giving the burner a thorough cleaning helps remove soot build-up, and ensures that gas lights quickly and smoothly. This simple preventative measure saves fuel costs and reduces wear on your heating system while ensuring safety within your home.

Airflow Issues

If you are hearing an irregular whistling noise, it could stem from airflow issues within your ducts or vents. Clogged filters, closed vents, or leaky ductwork disrupt airflow similarly to how obstructed windpipes cause labored breathing—each creating pressure imbalances that reduce overall heating performance.

Regularly checking and replacing filters is critical to keep air moving freely, while sealing duct leaks ensures each room receives adequate warmth without undue strain on machinery pushing air through pinched pathways.

In conclusion, understanding what’s causing my furnace to be noisy allows you to pinpoint problems and take preventative measures against them too.

If none of these solutions help, or if the sound is getting worse, the best thing to do is contact an HVAC specialist for a professional inspection.

Hilltop Plumbing & Heating Ltd. is a licensed bonded and insured plumbing and gas fitting company, proudly serving the White Rock and South Surrey area for over 50 years.

Trusted for over four decades, we have been providing plumbing & heating solutions, backed up by our guaranteed workmanship and parts warranty.