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Is Your Gas Heater Making Noise?
Are you tired of hearing noisy sounds from your gas heater? If you are, then you have probably considered buying a new gas heater to escape the annoying noises. If you are thinking of buying a new gas heater and wondering whether they make noise, then this article is going to answer your question. It will cover the sounds that a gas heater makes and the reasons behind those sounds, what you can do, and how to solve this sound problem. If you are a gas heater user or planning to buy one, this knowledge is ideal.
Is It Normal For A Gas Heater To Make Noise?
Your gas heater runs through a heating cycle opposite to that of an air conditioner. So, when a furnace starts to run a heating cycle, most people notice some noise. But this noise is not something to worry about. It’s natural for a gas heater to make a little noise. You only notice the noise when you switch on your gas heater because it was not running some moments before.
Older gas heaters tend to make noises that are a little louder than newer ones. There are some new models which are designed with special sound features so that you are aware that it is on. However, if you think the sound is too much, you can check the characteristics of various gas heaters to settle on a silent one. So, if your gas heater is producing a little sound, don’t panic and get used to it. However, should the sound be persistent, it may be time to have the heater checked.
What Types Of Sounds Can A Gas Heater Make?
Despite it being normal for a gas heater to make little noises, you should be a little worried and repair your gas heater if you think that the sound being produced is quite abnormal, for instance, loud noise when turning off. Now, the question is, how can you know the problem by hearing a sound? You have to listen carefully in order to confirm the sound type. Below is a list of sounds that a gas heater can make and what they indicate.
Banging
If a loud noise like banging comes from your gas heater, then you should know that this is not normal. Banging noises may mean that there may be an issue with your appliance’s ignition. When your furnace gets the command from the thermostat to begin a cycle, the gas valve opens. The ignition system or pilot light should ignite the gas instantly. When there remains a problem with the ignition system, a small amount of gas can be stuck in the combustion chamber. When its ignition chamber is open, there is enough space in the chamber to create a banging sound.
Another reason your furnace makes a banging noise might be as a result of the contraction and expansion of the ductwork. The ducts, which distribute warm air throughout your house, are made of thin metal. The metal can be expanded when heated and will contract as it cools down after the furnace cycle is turned off, thus resulting in banging sounds. This should not be a cause for worry as it is part of the heating process.
Whistling
Furnace whistling can be quite loud or subtle and occurs when something interferes with the flow of air. Whenever a furnace whistles, a blockage, such as an air filter that needs cleaning, is responsible for the whistle. You need to listen and determine whether the whistling is in one room or all rooms.
Another possible reason for whistling can be a blocked return, objects in the ductwork, and closed vents. A whistling sound can also occur if your gas heater is too big for your ductwork or too big for your house. It can also be a sign that your blower has an issue. This can also indicate a problem with the burners in your heating system.
Clanking
If your gas heater is making clanking or knocking noises, you must presume that it is not working correctly. It can indicate an issue with the fan. If the blower becomes misaligned, the blades can hit the walls or other gas heater parts, thus making this sound. Another common cause of this clanking sound is the cracking or splitting of the fan belt.
Rumbling
When your furnace powers on to complete a cycle, you might hear a gentle or little roaring sound. If the gentle roar turns into a low rumble, it can signify a problem. If the rumbling sound continues after completing a cycle or even after being switched off, it is quite probable that your burner is having some issues.
Oil or gas might remain in the combustion chamber once the cycle is completed. The fuel continues to burn, which actually makes the rumbling noise you hear. It is a serious issue because the extra fuel burn occurs, producing high levels of carbon monoxide in your house.
Humming
You should not worry if a humming noise comes from your gas heater. Many gas heaters start humming when the burner ignites. Sometimes, the clanking noise follows the hum. However, there are some grounds where a humming sound can be dangerous. If the furnace inducer motor makes continuous loud humming sound throughout its operation, you have to assume that there is something wrong with the inducer motor.
Another cause of the humming might be your fan which is wearing out. Be concerned about the volume of the sound and the time of its occurrence. If it continues throughout the heating cycle, you have to reach out to a professional to repair the issue.
Scratching or Scraping
If you hear a scratching or scraping sound coming from your furnace, you should inspect your appliance. The blower fan might have been loose or broken, and the fan’s blades may be dragging across the casting of the gas heater. It could also indicate that other parts of the gas heater have loosened.
Rattling
Noisy ducts are not a cause for concern because they usually do not indicate a more significant issue with your gas heater. However, if you hear a rattling sound from the air ducts, it means that something is loose in your appliance. The most common issue is, your duct is smaller than the vent opening, which binds it to move back and forth, causing the rattle when the air passes.
Popping
Your gas heater may make a popping sound. At the beginning of the heating cycle, the blower motor distributes warm air via the air duct to your house. In the event that you hear any loud popping sound from your gas heater, the problem may be the inflation of the air duct.
The source of this popping noise can also be contaminated gas burners in your furnace. As your gas heater gets older, sediment will start to collect on the burners. If you fail to remove the debris from your gas burners each year, a large amount of gas will start to produce and cause holes to form in your heat exchanger resulting in noise.
No Sound
If you notice that your gas heater does not produce any sound, it might be a cause for concern. This is because it might be an indication of a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless, and tasteless but harmful if inhaled in large quantities. It usually happens due to a crack inside the heat exchanger. If you inhale carbon monoxide, the symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and fainting can occur.
Water Heater Noises
Furnaces are not the only heaters that make noise. Water heaters also make sounds like hissing, popping, cracking, and sizzling. If it sounds like popping, you have to presume that your heater has built up a lot of sediment. Once you start hearing popping sounds regularly, clean the residue or flush the heater.
When your water heater has condensation around its burner, it is common to hear a cracking sound. So, the cracking sound is tension free. When your water heater starts sizzling, it is because the water is leaking and falling into the burner. Along with the sizzling sound, another sign shows your heater is leaking water. This sign is a pool of water at the base of the heater.
Why Does A Gas Heater Make Noise?
A gas heater will make a little noise; it’s a very normal thing. However, once you notice that the noise is getting louder than its average level, there arises a reason to be worried. You must ensure that you are cautious during the installation process by hiring a licensed plumber while using your gas heater. Unfortunately, even after observing so many precautionary measures, there are so many reasons why your gas heater is making unwanted noises. We have tried to enlist a few of them:
- A problem with the fuel ignition
- Clogged air filters
- Dirty and dusty air filters
- A worn-out fan belt
- Broken or cracked heat exchanger
- Loose blower fan
- Loose ducts
- A carbon monoxide leak
- A problem inside the motor
Here, we have discussed a few everyday noises that a gas heater makes and the expected problem based on the type of noise. This will help you to identify the issue by listening to the sound. You will be able to know the initial problem of your gas heater and take the necessary steps to solve it as soon as possible.
- Banging – An issue with the ignition system
- Clanking – An issue with the blower
- Rumbling – An issue with the fan
- Humming – An issue with inducer motor
- Scratching or scraping – Cracking of the fan belt or an issue with the fan
- Rattling – Problem with the size of air duct
- Popping – Inflation of air duct
- No sounds – Leakage of carbon monoxide
What Can You Do To Stop Gas Heater Noises?
This is a critical question to answer because most people are not knowledgeable about fixing gas heaters. Your gas heater is an expensive machine, so you should take proper precautions while dealing with this appliance. We have already discussed the various sounds of a gas heater and what issues they indicate.
Now, without the appropriate knowledge of repairing a gas heater, it would not be smart to try to do critical work like furnace repair by yourself. However, even without the said knowledge, there are a few steps that you can take to minimise the damage. First of all, the easiest and most intelligent thing to do once you start hearing abnormal noises is to switch off your gas heater and call a licensed gas fitter.
If you have already found that your gas heater is making noise because of dirt and dust, then you can open it carefully and clean it. However, you cannot solve the inducer motor or ignition issues without a trained technician. If you are thinking of repairing them by yourself, please reconsider as you can end up damaging your appliance even more.
It is probable that the parts of your gas heater need to be replaced. Therefore, you should know which part needs to be replaced. As always, you cannot handle or replace the part without the training of a technician. Gas-related machines are not only expensive but also risky. Simply turn the machine switch off and call a technician.
For Gas Heaters Making Noises Seek Expert Help
If your gas heater makes a typical little sound, that is totally fine, but when it becomes extreme like in the case of a clicking vent, you have to find a solution for it. If you want to stop your gas heater noises and take proper care of your machine, you should repair it on time.
Otherwise, there will remain a chance of permanent damage to your gas heater. Try to do some research before hiring a gas fitter. In addition, do not forget to check his license. There are copious plumbing companies in Sydney that have efficient licensed gas fitters. You just have to find them and contact them to repair your gas heater.
