Why Is Your Furnace Hissing?

Blog

Cats hiss, and it does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. If your furnace is hissing, though, that is another matter. There is almost certainly something wrong. The only question is, "what?" In some cases, the problem might be minor and you might be able to fix it yourself. Other times, there may be something bigger wrong that your HVAC tech has to address. Here's a closer look at some of the most likely reasons why your furnace is hissing.

The Filter is Clogged

If your air filter is too clogged with dust, the air may be blowing around the filter, causing a hissing noise as it does so. It may also be making a hissing noise as it blows through a small hole in the filter where there's not much debris. All you have to do in this case is pull the filter out and put a new one in place. Remember to do this every month or two, going forward.

There's An Obstruction in the Ducts

Another possibility is that there is something in your ducts. The air is passing on either side of the obstruction, causing a hissing noise. Duct obstructions are hard to locate on your own. An HVAC company can send a camera down the ducts to locate the obstruction. Once they know where it is, they can remove it, which should stop the hissing noise and also increase the amount of heated air that's coming through your vents.

Your Blower Motor's Belt is Fraying

Listen closely to the hissing noise. Could it also be described as a sort of squealing noise? If it is a high-pitched sound of this sort, then it might be caused by a frayed belt in the blower motor. This may be making the belt vibrate as it goes around, which is the sound you're hearing. Often, the sound will be most noticeable when the fan is first starting to run, and then again when the fan shuts off. An HVAC contractor can replace the belt. This is a fairly regular repair and most contractors will have the parts on hand to do it promptly.

If your furnace is making hissing sounds, something is amiss. Consider the possibilities above, and if you find that it's not your filter causing the noise, call an HVAC contractor such as Hotshot Appliance, Heating & Cooling. They can assess the condition of your ducts and blower motor and make the necessary repairs.

Share

13 October 2022

Learning About HVAC Services

Hi there, I am Nadine Bachmier. I am going to discuss the various ways HVAC contractors can keep the temperatures in your business stable. HVAC contractors focus on maintaining and repairing the air conditioner, furnace, and ductwork used in your building. To keep the heating and cooling system in good shape, contractors may need to replace internal components, clean out channels, or simply perform a full upgrade. I will talk about the tools and techniques used to maintain and repair the equipment in your building. I will also share information about new products as they hit the HVAC market. I hope you will follow along and learn all you can.