furnace buzzing/humming?
 

Hello all,

I recently noticed my furnace making a buzzing/humming noise (similar to a 60 Hz noise hum...) all the time.

It does this even when off / not running. My fiancee says it's always done that, but I've never noticed it. It's loud enough that I can hear it upstairs (main floor) through the vents when the house is quiet.

Anyone know if it's normal and/or what it could be?

Thanks!

Christian

It could be a bad transformer or a contactor stuck closed.

Any idea how to tell which?

Something I could fix myself?

You have to inspect the components I referred you to.
Once you ID the bad part and get it in stock, the replacement is only a few minutes of work.

So when looking at the components...how would I tell if it's bad or good??

I'm sure it varies between models, but can anyone help me to identify either of these components also?

Thanks.

If bad/going out; the transformer will be warm/hot and buzzing. If the contactor is bad; the contacts will be closed even though there is no power to the coil. Start by removing the panels from the unit and turn the power on (you might have to hold down the safety switch). Listen and/or feel for the buzzing noise and post back what you found and what it looks like.

I will pop the panel off and look in there tonight and let you know what I find.

Thanks for all the help!!

OK I took off the panel and listened/felt for the hum...it was very hard to pinpoint.

Here is a picture of what I'm working with:
http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv45/darga19/0529090615.jpg

If I touch anywhere on that silver "box" (that the circuit board is mounted to) or the circuit board, I can feel the hum. Also on either of the 2 other components mounted on the "box." It doesn't really stand out on one component more than another...and unfortunately I'm not sure what to look for.

Hopefully the picture could help you tell me what to look for / inspect?

Thanks!

Sorry, I can't see clear enough to tell what components are what.
Can you post a pic w/more light in the cabinet?

I'll try to take some better / lighter pictures tonight and post them.