Banging, squealing, or rattling from your heating system is more than an annoyance, so find out what
common furnace noises mean and when you need a heating inspection in Baltimore or furnace repair in
Maryland.
Your furnace should run with a steady hum, so any new sound is your system’s way of asking for
attention. A loud bang or boom when the burners start often points to delayed ignition, where gas builds
up briefly before lighting, and it should be checked by a professional right away. A high-pitched squealing
or screeching usually means a worn blower motor bearing or a slipping belt, and ignoring it can lead to a
complete motor failure in the middle of winter. Rattling or vibrating panels are often caused by loose
screws or access doors, which are inexpensive to fix, but they can also signal a cracked heat exchanger,
so it is worth having a technician confirm. Clicking that continues after the furnace has started may
indicate a faulty ignitor or control board, while a constant humming without heat can mean a failing
capacitor. Some noises are harmless, such as the gentle ticking of ductwork expanding as it warms, but
you should never guess when safety is involved. If your furnace is making sounds it never made before,
call Five Star HVAC at +1 (240) 210-7032 to schedule a thorough inspection.