How To Repair A Noisy Heater Fan

By Robin Reichert March 2, 2011 9:03 am EST

Things Needed

Screwdriver
Replacement belt

Tip

Change the furnace filter regularly to avoid dirt and debris buildup on the fan blades and fan motor to reduce fan noise.

Warning

Never attempt to repair a gas leak by welding or soldering a gas line. Gas is highly flammable and may explode. Serious injury or death may result. Call a qualified professional to repair noisy furnace fans if it cannot be easily repaired. Do not attempt repairs if you are unsure about how to fix a furnace. Some states and local governments require that only a certified technician perform work on furnaces. Check your local and state laws before attempting furnace repairs.

A noisy furnace heater fan could be indicative of a serious problem, such as imminent failure of a fan motor. Most noisy heater fans can be quieted with a simple repair. The type of noise your noisy heater fan is making may be a clue to what is wrong and how to fix it. Heater fans may squeak, click, buzz or make a whining sound when starting up. If the sound persists after minor repairs are attempted, call a professional to fix your furnace fan.

Step 1

Repair a squealing sound by adjusting the belt. A heater fan belt will squeal when it is misaligned or worn. Turn off the electricity to the furnace. Remove the access panel with a screwdriver. Replace the worn belt, or realign the belt properly.

Step 2

Tighten the transformer if the furnace fan makes a humming or a buzz sound after the fan goes off. Turn off the electricity; remove the access panel, and tighten the screws that hold the transformer in place. If there is a space between the transformer and the wall, the transformer will vibrate and make noise.

Step 3

Tighten the screws on all access panels with a screwdriver. Most rattling noises are a result of loose access panels. Tightening the screws can often reduce or eliminate this noise.

Step 4

Call a furnace service technician if your furnace makes a ticking sound after the fan goes off or if the furnace whines during operation. In a gas furnace, a ticking noise may indicate that there is a gas leak and a whine indicates that there is an air leak. Only a professional furnace technician should attempt to repair a furnace gas leak.