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HVAC · Sourced answer

What do strange furnace or AC noises (banging, squealing, buzzing, clicking) indicate?

Troubleshooting blower motors, failing fan bearings, loose components, or ignition delay.

The answer

Booming/Banging in furnace: delayed ignition (gas buildup before ignition; can crack heat exchanger). Popping ductwork: thermal expansion and static pressure flexing. Squealing: failing motor bearings or fan belt. Buzzing: bad contactor relay or seized compressor. Clicking: faulty ignition relay or flame sensor.

Sources

This answer is drawn from the standards and guidance below. It is general information about how these systems work — not a diagnosis of your property.

  1. ACCA ANSI/ACCA Standard 5 QI
  2. US DOE Common AC Problems