QA

Question: Furnace Makes Clicking Noise When Starting

Bearings in the inducer blower or the main furnace blower may be the source of the clicking. Loud clicking sounds can be heard when inducer blowers and fan shafts are clogged by buildup or when bearings are worn out. Bearings on the main blower motor might click as the furnace runs because the shaft is rusted or dirty.

Why does my furnace make a clicking noise?

Your furnace is most likely making a clicking noise due to your furnace’s spark igniter trying to ignite the pilot light/burners. A repeated clicking indicates a failure/system malfunction. This problem is especially troublesome when you are not getting heat at some point during the very cold winter months.

What does a bad furnace sound like?

Loud Pops & Bangs Homeowners often notice a popping sound when the furnace begins a cycle. This is due to warm air that hits the cold metal of the ducts, which causes expansion and produces that noise. When the popping noise is louder, your gas furnace’s burners may be dirty.

How do you know if your furnace ignitor is bad?

Your furnace won’t run: The most obvious sign that your ignitor is bad is that it won’t ignite, and this generally manifests itself in your furnace failing to run when you activate it. One word of caution, though: this can also be caused by other issues, some of which are electrical.

How do I stop my heater from clicking?

Another good trick: do not overtighten screws fastening the heater to the wall. After your heater is securely in place, loosen screws half a turn. This will leave room for the metal to expand without making noise. Likewise, you should leave a space of at least 1/8″ (3 mm), between molding and baseboard heater sides.

What does a bad blower motor sound like?

A defective blower motor will make a continuous sound noticeable by the passengers in the vehicle. It can manifest as a knocking, whirring, clunking, vibrating, squealing, or whining noise that persists until the blower motor is replaced.

Can a furnace explode?

A furnace explosion is usually the result of ignition and instantaneous combustion of highly flammable gas, vapor, or dust that has accumulated in a boiler. The effect of the force from the explosion is often much greater than the boiler combustion chamber can withstand.

How often should furnace ignitor be replaced?

According to the Gas Furnace Guide, ignitors have an average lifespan of four to seven years. So, after about seven years, you may have to replace the ignitor; however, you probably won’t have to replace the entire furnace because other parts, such as the heat exchanger, can last more than 15 years.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace ignitor?

Here’s the bottom line: Whether for a natural gas furnace, oil, or a propane furnace, replacing a furnace ignitor–including parts and labor–will cost you around $300 – $425 for a qualified contractor to install. Compare that to, say, a draft inducer motor, which will cost $400 – $1,500 to replace.

How long should a furnace ignitor last?

Don’t worry—an ignitor that goes bad is common for most furnaces. Fortunately, you can replace the ignitor without replacing the full furnace. Most ignitors last about seven years.

Why does my heater make a popping noise?

Popping. Do you hear a distinct popping, tinny sound in your home’s vents every time you run your heater? You might hear mild popping sounds whenever you turn on your home’s heater because your home’s vents are expanding or contracting depending on the temperature change. This is normal.

Why is my blower motor clicking?

Bearings in the inducer blower or the main furnace blower may be the source of the clicking. Loud clicking sounds can be heard when inducer blowers and fan shafts are clogged by buildup or when bearings are worn out. Bearings on the main blower motor might click as the furnace runs because the shaft is rusted or dirty.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor?

Replacing a blower motor costs $450 on average with a typical range of $250 to $800. With a warranty, you might pay as little as $150 for labor alone. For high-end models, like those with large motors or access issues, you might pay as much as $2,000.

How do I know if my furnace blower motor is bad?

Signs of an Overheating Blower Motor A “hot” or burning smell from vents in the home. This symptom is often coupled with the furnace shutting off completely. Loud humming and other unusual noises. We have many homeowners call us mentioning humming and other odd sounds. Furnace cycles off and refuses to restart.

When should I worry about my furnace noise?

If you hear a sound like a loud bang or boom coming from your furnace, you would certainly be wise to be concerned. When the gas finally builds up enough the spark will finally ignite all that built up fuel and cause a small explosion inside your furnace. This needs to be fixed by a qualified HVAC technician.

Can a furnace start a fire?

Yes, a furnace can catch fire. The following are reasons your furnace can catch fire: Your furnace’s air filter is blocked. Your furnace’s gas pressure is too high. There is a crack in your furnace’s heat exchanger.