Winter Furnace Noises Explained: When to Worry, and When It’s Just Your Home Adjusting
- Red Mechanical Services
- Dec 2, 2025
- 5 min read
When Alberta temperatures drop, your furnace becomes the hardest-working piece of equipment in your home. The least we can do is make sure it’s not working harder than it has to this winter.
During those long winter stretches around Stony Plain, Parkland County, and the surrounding rural communities, it’s completely normal to start hearing a few sounds you don’t notice during the warmer months. But how do you know which furnace noises are harmless and which ones mean it’s time to call a professional?
At Red Mechanical Services, we want to help you feel confident, safe, and informed about your home heating. Here’s a breakdown of common winter noises, what they mean, and when you should reach out for furnace repair or replacement.
“Popping” or “Tinning” Sounds
If you hear a metallic pop, ping, or bang when your heat turns on, don’t panic! This is usually the sound of your ductwork expanding and contracting as warm air moves through cold metal.
These noises are especially common:
in colder climates like rural Alberta
in older homes or mobile homes
in long duct runs common in farmhouses
When it’s normal:
A quick pop or ping at the start of a heating cycle for any furnace is normal.
If you have a two-stage furnace, you may hear a click or 'whoosh' sound when the furnace transitions from the first stage (low-fire) to the second stage (high-fire). This transition typically happens a few minutes into the cycle, when the system determines a faster heat output is needed to reach your thermostat setting.
When to call us:
If the pops are loud, frequent, or followed by airflow issues, it could indicate:
undersized ducting
blocked vents
high static pressure from a failing blower motor
Regardless, you don’t need to determine this yourself. Give us a call or text 1-780-984-7647, and we’ll be there to help you understand what might be happening.
Whistles & High-Pitched Sounds
A gentle whoosh is normal, but a sharp whistle is not.
Whistling could often mean:
a clogged filter
a closed or blocked register
gaps in ductwork
an overworking motor
Replacing your furnace filter is a great first step, especially if it's been more than 90 days (or less, if you have pets or allergies).
However, trying to decode a whistle can be difficult, and we’re happy to investigate it for you! You can easily send us an email: redmech144@gmail.com
Grinding, Scraping, or Metal-on-Metal
✋🛑 This noise means stop running the furnace and call us right away 🛑✋
It can be caused by:
a motor bearing failure
a loose blower wheel
a failing inducer motor
Catching this early can prevent a full furnace breakdown, and save you money on repairs or replacement. If you think "wow, that doesn't sound good", you should give us a call.
Booming or Delayed Ignition
A loud "boom" when the furnace starts can mean gas buildup due to dirty burners.
This is a safety issue and should be looked at promptly.
At Red Mechanical Services, we will inspect, clean, and test your ignition system so your furnace runs safely and efficiently.
Repair or Replace? Here’s How to Know What to do With Furnace Noises
We help new homeowners, seniors, acreage owners, mobile home owners, and all the in-between, every winter. Nearly all of them are wondering the same thing: Is it still worth repairing my furnace?
Here are signs it might be time to consider a replacement:
Your furnace is 15–20+ years old
Repairs are becoming frequent
Your energy bills are climbing
Rooms heat unevenly
You notice new or worsening noises
That said, we never push unnecessary replacements.
If your furnace can be safely repaired and kept running reliably, we’ll tell you—honestly.
Proudly Local. Offering: Honest Work, Fair Prices, Reliable Service You Can Trust.
We’re based right here in your community and proudly serve:
Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Parkland County, Alberta Beach, Acheson, Onoway, Thorsby, Calmar, Beaumont, Leduc County, rural acreages, mobile homes, farms and agricultural operations, local small businesses.
If you don't know if we come to your area, just ask! We probably do.
You can text (780) 984-7647, call, email redmech144@gmail.com, or fill out the contact form for services or quotes.
We appreciate our customers. Whether you’re new homeowners or one of our dedicated seniors, and we always ensure that you’re in good hands. That means: clear explanations, fair pricing, no hidden markups, and no “small town fee”. You simply get dependable, respectful service every time.
We treat your home, and your budget, with the same care we’d want for our own family.
Are you looking for more information on furnaces, air conditioners, or hot water tanks? You can visit their pages directly, or explore our Services page!
Red Mechanical Services keep your home comfortable, no matter what the weather brings.
FAQ: You have questions, we have answers. We get these questions often, from customers just like you.
Why does my furnace make popping noises in the winter?
Popping or tinning sounds are usually caused by the metal ductwork expanding and contracting as warm air pushes through cold vents. This is very common during Alberta winters. If the popping becomes loud, frequent, or affects airflow, it may be time for a furnace inspection.
What furnace noises are a sign of trouble?
Grinding, scraping, loud booms, whistling, or metal-on-metal noises usually indicate a mechanical or ignition issue. These sounds often point to a blower motor problem, dirty burners, or airflow blockages. Turn off your furnace and call a technician if these sounds continue.
When should I repair versus replace my furnace?
A repair may be enough if your furnace is under 15 years old, the fix is minor, and the system still heats your home reliably. A replacement becomes cost-effective if your furnace is 15–20+ years old, breaks down frequently, or is causing high energy bills.
Is ductwork noise normal in older or rural Alberta homes?
Yes. Older homes, mobile homes, and rural properties with long duct runs often experience popping or clicking sounds when the heat turns on. It’s usually normal, but consistent loud noises may indicate duct issues that need attention.
Who provides trusted furnace repair in Stony Plain and Parkland County?
We do!
Red Mechanical Services provides honest, reliable furnace repair, furnace replacement, heating services, and winter inspections for homes, farms, mobile homes, and businesses across Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Parkland County, Alberta Beach, Onoway, Acheson, Leduc County, Thorsby, Calmar, and surrounding rural areas.
Keep in mind, we also provide air conditioning repair and installations and hot water tank services and replacements in Alberta. This provides a great opportunity to bundle your services, save money, and have them completed quickly.
