Furnace systems do not run silently. You’ll notice that dull or light hum when yours is working. The noise quickly fades into the background as you start to enjoy the warmth from the system. So, it can be frustrating to hear a strange noise, such as whistling, while your furnace is in use.
Such a noise can make your home far less comfortable. As Owasso’s top-rated heating repair company, we’ve heard many people calling us to ask, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?”
We’ll discuss all the possible reasons in this post.
Restricted Airflow or Ventilation Issues
You’re most likely to hear the furnace whistle sound if your heating system is combating restricted airflow or ventilation issues. Your furnace needs a steady supply of air to work efficiently. If the airflow is restricted or blocked, the pressure inside the system will rise, creating that whistling sound.
Some of the most common causes of airflow issues include:
- Clogged air filters. Air filters help trap contaminants, maintaining the quality of your indoor air. However, as clogs mount, it will be more difficult for air to flow through to your furnace. The increased pressure may lead to whistling noise as the furnace tries to suck in or release air.
- Blocked registers and vents. Your furnace will work harder than normal to deliver warm air if there’s anything blocking the vents and registers. That extra strain can lead to all kinds of noise including that furnace whistle sound.
- Blocked intake or exhaust vents. Snow, debris, and bird nests can block the intake or exhaust vents, leading to that whistling noise as your furnace tries to draw in or expel air.
- Wrongly sized vents. If you find yourself asking, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” it may be because your vents are too small.
Ductwork Problems
The duct system carries the heat from your furnace across your home. Any problems in the duct that can lead to air escaping before it reaches the vents will likely lead to the whistling sound.
So, any loose or disconnected segments or small leaks in the system can cause your furnace to whistle when it starts up.
Blower Motor Problems
The blower component helps push the warm air into the duct system, ensuring easier distribution across your home. A malfunctioning motor or one that has an unbalanced wheel will likely make strange sounds like whistling while running.
Poorly maintained furnace systems are likely to have more wear and tear on the motor system.
Poor Furnace Installation
It’s not uncommon for homeowners in Owasso, OK, to find out that the origin of the furnace whistle sound they are experiencing goes back to the system’s first day. A lot can go wrong if you choose an inexperienced technician to install your furnace. The unit having a startup noise or making whistling sounds while running is one of the possible downsides.
Poor installation work can lead to rapid pressure changes while the furnace is working. When the pressure is too high, air will try to escape from any small gaps in the system, leading to that whistling sound. Two main causes of these pressure changes include installing an oversized or undersized furnace and setting the blower to the wrong speed.
What Should You Do About a Whistling Furnace in Your Owasso, OK, Home?
Now you have some answers to, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” The next question is, what can you do about it? The first thing you should check is the consistency of the noise. Does it happen all through as the furnace works? Does the noise end after startup? Does it continue after you turn off the furnace? Can you hear other noises?
The answers to these questions will determine what you should do. If the whistling is persistent, accompanies other noises, or continues after you’ve turned off the furnace, that’s your cue to call in an HVAC technician quickly.
Even if the whistling only occurs briefly on startup, it’s probably something you can live with, but one you should still have checked out as soon as possible.
Get Expert Help From Your Local Experts in Owasso, OK?
Are you still wondering, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can help. We can evaluate your system and provide a thorough report on its state of health.
Call us today to schedule a consultation with the leading name for furnace repair in Owasso, OK, today.
For further reading, check out our post on common causes of overheating AC.
