Questions About Noises on Heaters' Fans in the House

Is the furnace supposed to make noise?

• Your home furnace is a machine and, like many machines with moving parts, it tends to make various noises. Some of these noises are completely natural. For example, if you hear small metallic clicks or chirping noises, there's no need to worry. These typically come from from the furnace's blower fan as it turns on and gets up to speed. Once the fan is blowing the heat through the ventilation system, you may hear a steady humming noise.

What noises are not normal?

• Loud noises, unexpected sounds, screeches or whining noises coming from your home furnace are typically not normal. A screeching noise, for example, may mean there is a serious problem with the motor that turns the blower fan, while a vibrating or whining sound can mean a part is out of alignment or has failed. Regular maintenance is essential to preventing these sounds, and unexpected noises should be investigated by a home heating professional.

Do baseboard heaters make noises?

• Baseboard heaters sometimes make noises, but not all of them use a fan. Baseboard heaters with fans can develop problems just like any fan, but those without a fan usually rely on convection to heat a room. Check your baseboard heater's owner's manual for common trouble-shooting problems if your heater makes unusual noises.

What about portable heaters?

• Various kinds of portable heaters may also employ a fan to distribute heat. These heaters are typically small and their fans usually make some noise when the unit is on. However, these fans may also develop problems and lead to unusual noises. Regularly cleaning the heater to remove dirt accumulation can prevent these problems, as can keeping the heater properly oiled.