How to Identify Popping Noises Coming From Your Furnace

Your furnace is meant to function as quietly as possible. In other words, you should feel it its presence more than you hear it. In some cases, however, having a noisy furnace can be a problematic situation for a homeowner. Even if the noise doesn’t mean anything serious, home furnace repair experts understand that it can be bothersome. There are also cases where unusual noises coming from your furnace are a sign of bigger issues to come.

Has your furnace been making strange noises? Cooper Brothers, Inc. shares some possible explanations. 

Your Ducts Make Noise Due to Their Shape

Ducts come in three different shapes: round, square and rectangular. Each shape has a different threshold as far as handling pressure is concerned. This pressure is measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. Round ducts handle pressure very well, while rectangular ones create the most noise, as they have the lowest threshold for handling pressure.

While you can have your ducts replaced if they’re rectangular or square and are making popping noises too frequently, it will cost quite a bit. For this reason, the AC repair experts suggest using rubber pads, inserting sound-dampening duct liners or wrapping the ducts with fiberglass insulation to prevent them from coming in contact with the materials around them.

Your Ducts Are Too Small

Even round ducts can make a racket if they’re too small to handle the pressure. If this is the case, you’ll have no choice but to replace the ducts. You should always hire a professional who can make the right measurements as well as take care of the duct replacement.

The Metal is Too Thin

Metal thickness is measured by the gauge rating. A lower gauge rating means the metal is thick and strong, so don’t skimp by settling for metal with a high gauge rating.

It’s Not the Ducts

If the noise is coming from your furnace, there might be furnace/ductwork incompatibility. This is a common problem when the furnace is new. Your furnace might also be encountering a delay in the ignition. You should always trust a professional to inspect your furnace, make repairs and take care of a furnace replacement if necessary.

Cooper Brothers, Inc. can help you isolate the source of the annoying popping noises coming from your furnace. Call us today at (408) 649-2008 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.