Have a Hissing Furnace? Here’s What You Should Know

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There are some noises that your furnace will make that are normal. These can include a small amount of clicking and the whoosh of warm air being blown throughout the home. But what if that whoosh has a different undertone to it today? Something like a hiss? Don't mistake this for a normal noise, hissing is a problem.

If you have a furnace that has started to hiss, it means that you are better off reaching out to a professional for a furnace repair in Lino Lakes, MN. There is more than one possible cause for this sound and none of them are good. Schedule repairs today to combat these furnace problems.

What a Hissing Furnace Means

There is more than one possible cause for a hissing noise that is coming from a furnace. Let's discuss what might create this noise. This way, you will know why it is always best to get help from a professional ASAP when you notice that hissing sound.

  • The air filter is clogged: If the air filter for your heater is clogged, it may lead to the sound of hissing. What you are hearing is the sound of air forcing its way through a multitude of dust and debris. This is the easiest issue to deal with. Just make sure to change your filter every few months!
  • There is built-up dirt on the heating elements: Debris that collects on the heating coil of an electric furnace can create a hissing noise as it warms and heats up that debris. If this is the cause, a professional can come to clean off the coil to address the sound (and the smell of burning dust that likely came with it).
  • There is a leak in your ducts: Furnaces are connected to your ductwork to allow them to deliver hot air throughout your home. If there is a leak in your ductwork, it can create a hissing noise as the hot air escapes into walls or crawlspace, leaving you cold and uncomfortable. Make sure to have a professional check your ductwork and seal any leaks that might create this issue.
  • You have a cracked heat exchanger: Lastly, your gas furnace may be hissing if there is a crack in your heat exchanger. This can allow those combustion gases to escape from the heat exchanger, reducing your comfort and putting your health and safety at risk. If your smell gas or feel dizzy or nauseous when you hear hissing sounds from your furnace, turn the system off immediately and call for emergency help before getting repairs scheduled.

Whatever the core cause of the hissing noise from your furnace may be, it is best to reach out to a professional to get things back in working order. Concerning noises coming from your furnace is always worth a call to a professional technician. With the help of our experts, you can enjoy a furnace that works properly again and keeps you effectively warm.

Contact the technicians at Air Mechanical, Inc. to schedule your repair service.

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