Duct and Furnace Noises You May Hear in Your Sarasota Home

If you just started to hear those thumps and whistles, you may be concerned about what’s going on. The good news is that most duct and furnace noise is nothing to worry about. However, on occasion, it can be something serious.

Bumps in the Night

• You hear a metallic popping noise right after your HVAC system turns on. If you have metal ducts in your home, that may be the culprit. When the A/C turns on, it pushes air through the ducts under pressure. That increase in pressure can push against the side of the ducts, creating a popping noise. You may also hear this sound right after the system turns off. As the pressure decreases, the sides of the ductwork will relax and pop back into shape.
• You hear a whistling noise when the HVAC system turns on. You may hear this coming from different vents in the house. The whistling happens when high pressure air flows through the louvers on the vent covers. That means the vent cover isn’t large enough. Sometimes, the vent may have been replaced with a smaller one, or the duct design is wrong.
• You hear a banging noise right after you turn on the gas furnace. The sound will seem like it’s coming from the furnace itself. If the burners on the furnace are blocked, the gas won’t ignite immediately. Instead, the gas will build up in the ignition chamber, then ignite. This sudden explosive ignition will sound like a loud bang. This situation is dangerous and needs immediate professional attention.

Most duct and furnace noise is nothing to worry about. However, if you’re hearing noises you haven’t heard before and you can’t find the reason for it, contact the pros at Custom Air & Plumbing. We can diagnose and fix any issues your HVAC system may be having.