If your Rheem furnace is making noise, here’s what might be going wrong.
If you’re hearing strange sounds coming from your Rheem furnace, you’re probably wondering if it’s a minor nuisance or a sign of a bigger problem. Sounds like banging, whistling, squealing, or clicking can signal anything from a dirty filter to a serious safety hazard. And when temperatures drop in places like Weirton, WV or Steubenville, OH, the last thing you need is your heat acting up.
As a 20-year HVAC veteran and Rheem Pro Partner, I’ve diagnosed just about every sound a furnace can make. I’ll walk you through what different noises from your Rheem furnace could mean, when you can fix them yourself, and when it’s time to call in a professional.
Common Rheem Furnace Noises & What They Mean
1. Why is my Rheem furnace making a banging or popping noise?
A Rheem furnace may bang due to dirty burners or delayed ignition caused by gas buildup. This is often caused by dirty burners or delayed ignition. When gas builds up before it ignites, you get a small explosion that sounds like a bang. Another cause could be ductwork expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.
What to check: If it’s the burners, they may need a professional cleaning. If it’s the ductwork, it might be harmless, but it can be reduced by adding insulation or adjusting airflow.
2. Why is my Rheem furnace making a whistling noise?
Whistling usually means restricted airflow caused by a clogged filter or blocked return vents. The most common reason is a clogged furnace filter or improperly sized return vents.
What to check: Change your furnace filter (check monthly). Make sure no furniture or rugs are blocking the return vents.
3. Why is my Rheem furnace making a squealing or screeching noise?
Squealing often comes from a worn blower motor belt or failing motor bearings. That high-pitched sound often comes from a worn blower motor belt or a failing motor bearing.
What to check: If you’re comfortable, open the access panel and look for signs of wear on the belt. If the blower motor is the problem, it’s best to call a pro.
4. Why is my Rheem furnace clicking but not starting?
Clicking without ignition often means a bad flame sensor, dirty ignitor, or faulty control board. Clicking typically means the ignitor is trying to fire, but something is preventing ignition. It could be a faulty flame sensor, a dirty ignitor, or a failing control board.
What to check: Sometimes cleaning the flame sensor solves it. But repeated clicking and no heat means it’s time for a repair.
When Furnace Noise Becomes a Safety Concern
Not every sound is urgent, but some noises can signal dangerous issues like:
- Gas buildup before ignition (banging)
- Electrical shorting or arcing (loud buzzing)
- Failing inducer or blower motor (grinding or squealing)
If your Rheem furnace is making any of these sounds and also struggling to heat your home, turning off the system and calling a licensed HVAC technician is the safest move.
A Real-World Example From Weirton, WV
Last winter, I got a call from a homeowner in Weirton who said their Rheem furnace was making a loud boom when it started. They were worried about a gas leak. I arrived and found a buildup of carbon on the burners causing delayed ignition. A full burner cleaning fixed the issue, and the system ran quietly and safely after that.
This kind of call is common, and it’s exactly why homeowners shouldn’t ignore strange furnace sounds. What starts as an annoying noise could lead to serious damage or safety issues.
Common Questions About Rheem Furnace Noises
What do I do if my Rheem furnace is making a loud noise? Start by checking the furnace filter and listen for the sound location. Loud bangs could indicate ignition delay, while whistling may be a blocked vent. If the noise persists, shut off the furnace and call a technician.
Can I fix a noisy furnace myself? Some noises, like whistling from a clogged filter, can be fixed by homeowners. But banging, clicking, or grinding typically require a licensed HVAC pro.
When should I call a furnace repair company? If your furnace is making loud or new noises and it doesn’t resolve with a new filter or vent check, or if there’s no heat, call a professional right away.
Do you provide Rheem furnace repair in Weirton, WV? Yes. Honest Fix serves Steubenville, OH, Weirton, WV, and nearby areas with expert Rheem furnace repairs.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Noise
If your Rheem furnace is making noise, pay attention to the sound. It’s your system’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Some fixes are simple, like changing a filter. Others need professional service. Either way, it’s better to deal with it before it becomes a breakdown.
At Honest Fix, we specialize in repairing and maintaining Rheem systems. If you’re in Steubenville, Weirton, or anywhere nearby and need help with your noisy furnace, give us a call. We’ll get you scheduled and get your heat running quietly again.
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
