Bryant Furnace - Noise

[IKLV77]

I have a Bryant furnace that I believe was installed in 2003.

I noticed this past Fall, that about a minute or two before the furnace shuts down, it makes a series of noises. (The only way I can describe this noise is like when you are driving on a freeway, and there are "grooves" in the pavement that indicate you need to slow down when your tires go over them.)

Can anyone tell me what they think might be causing this? I was hoping to put off any type of repair until this Fall, (because I just had to replace my hot water heater), until someone told me that my furnace and air conditioner were connected.

I live in Las Vegas and there is NO way I can go the summer without air conditioning.

Thanks for any info!

[big sky hvac]

I have a Bryant furnace that I believe was installed in 2003.

I noticed this past Fall, that about a minute or two before the furnace shuts down, it makes a series of noises. (The only way I can describe this noise is like when you are driving on a freeway, and there are "grooves" in the pavement that indicate you need to slow down when your tires go over them.)

Can anyone tell me what they think might be causing this? I was hoping to put off any type of repair until this Fall, (because I just had to replace my hot water heater), until someone told me that my furnace and air conditioner were connected.

I live in Las Vegas and there is NO way I can go the summer without air conditioning.

Thanks for any info!

If it is consistent and does it on every cycle, then a tech should be able to diagnose what's going on. I know if any of the vanes on the wheel were loose it would cause a vibration, but if that were the case it would do it all the time while the blower was on. Have you tried running just the blower to see if you hear the noise then? How about when the A/C is running? Have you replaced the filter recently? There could be something inside the blower wheel that can cause a vibration(like a small piece of paper), but again that usually would mean the noise would be constant. It's also possible that the motor could be failing as well. I would recommend gettting a tech out there so you don't have to go without A/C for any length of time this spring/summer.

[IKLV77]

If it is consistent and does it on every cycle, then a tech should be able to diagnose what's going on. I know if any of the vanes on the wheel were loose it would cause a vibration, but if that were the case it would do it all the time while the blower was on. Have you tried running just the blower to see if you hear the noise then? How about when the A/C is running? Have you replaced the filter recently? There could be something inside the blower wheel that can cause a vibration(like a small piece of paper), but again that usually would mean the noise would be constant. It's also possible that the motor could be failing as well. I would recommend gettting a tech out there so you don't have to go without A/C for any length of time this spring/summer.


Thanks for your reply. No, I haven't tried running just the blower, and I haven't turned on my A/C, yet. (It's getting warmer here, but I'm resisting turning it on in case it might do some/more damage).

The furnace is in the attic and yes, I'm pretty good about replacing the air filter every couple of months. (If you mean a filter for inside the furnace as well?,) then no. In hindsight, I should have had a tech come and do a yearly service call, but it's like out of sight, out of mind. I'll have to do better going forward.

I'll have to call some places and get a couple of estimates. When a tech comes to my home, do you suggest I go up in the attic with each different one and watch what they do? Would this be something you would do?

[big sky hvac]

Thanks for your reply. No, I haven't tried running just the blower, and I haven't turned on my A/C, yet. (It's getting warmer here, but I'm resisting turning it on in case it might do some/more damage).

The furnace is in the attic and yes, I'm pretty good about replacing the air filter every couple of months. (If you mean a filter for inside the furnace as well?,) then no. In hindsight, I should have had a tech come and do a yearly service call, but it's like out of sight, out of mind. I'll have to do better going forward.

I'll have to call some places and get a couple of estimates. When a tech comes to my home, do you suggest I go up in the attic with each different one and watch what they do? Would this be something you would do?

If you want to save yourself some money, find a reputable company and have them come out to fix it. If you call several companies, you're probably going to have to pay each company for a service charge. I highly doubt anybody is going to come out and give you an "estimate" for a repair without charging you for their time. If you don't like what the first company diagnoses and quotes you for repairs, then maybe a second opinion is what you'll need. Either have the company that installed the furnace come out, or find another one that has a reputation for doing good work at a fair price. If you don't know who to call, ask your neighbors and co-workers about their experiences with different companies. As far as going up into the attic, that's up to you. Generally attic's are less than desireable places to "hang" out, and a lot of times there isn't a whole lot of room up there either. I don't mind if customers want to watch me while I'm repairing their equipment, but if they get in my way, they may get stepped on or kicked(accidentally of course). It's nothing personal, but I'm there to do a job and I don't need someone interferring with my ability to do my job.

[IKLV77]

If you want to save yourself some money, find a reputable company and have them come out to fix it. If you call several companies, you're probably going to have to pay each company for a service charge. I highly doubt anybody is going to come out and give you an "estimate" for a repair without charging you for their time. If you don't like what the first company diagnoses and quotes you for repairs, then maybe a second opinion is what you'll need. Either have the company that installed the furnace come out, or find another one that has a reputation for doing good work at a fair price. If you don't know who to call, ask your neighbors and co-workers about their experiences with different companies. As far as going up into the attic, that's up to you. Generally attic's are less than desireable places to "hang" out, and a lot of times there isn't a whole lot of room up there either. I don't mind if customers want to watch me while I'm repairing their equipment, but if they get in my way, they may get stepped on or kicked(accidentally of course). It's nothing personal, but I'm there to do a job and I don't need someone interferring with my ability to do my job.


That's the tough part, finding the right company... It seems like 9/10 times after I have something repaired/replaced in my home, I usually learn, after the fact, how I had been taken advantage of. (But don't most people think they've been "had" when they hear what other's have paid for a similar service.

Ok, so maybe I won't go crazy and get 3-4 quotes, but I think I'd like more than one, especially after my recent dealing with a "certain" plumbing company. :mad: I just hate to take the first companies word on what's wrong only to find out how much I was over-charged, and hearing from others "why did you go with the first quote??"

I'm taking my time and trying to do my homework so "hopefully" this will be a better experience. I think you're right about the attic. I've never been up there, but I'm sure it's small, hot and dusty. I'll pass...

Have a good weekend. Thanks again.

[big sky hvac]

That's the tough part, finding the right company... It seems like 9/10 times after I have something repaired/replaced in my home, I usually learn, after the fact, how I had been taken advantage of. (But don't most people think they've been "had" when they hear what other's have paid for a similar service.

Ok, so maybe I won't go crazy and get 3-4 quotes, but I think I'd like more than one, especially after my recent dealing with a "certain" plumbing company. :mad: I just hate to take the first companies word on what's wrong only to find out how much I was over-charged, and hearing from others "why did you go with the first quote??"

I'm taking my time and trying to do my homework so "hopefully" this will be a better experience. I think you're right about the attic. I've never been up there, but I'm sure it's small, hot and dusty. I'll pass...

Have a good weekend. Thanks again.

Good luck. Hopefully it's nothing too major.

[gasguy]

It sounds like the inducer assy. as it is shutting down a couple of minutes before the blower off delay. I've seen this before with Carrier/Bryant 90% units. Quite often when the inducer is ramping up or down there is a certain rpm that will cause a 'rumbling' sound for a few seconds. Unless it is severe (like rattling the china) I would leave it as the inducer assemblys are $pendy.

[aircooled53]

It sounds like the inducer assy. as it is shutting down a couple of minutes before the blower off delay. I've seen this before with Carrier/Bryant 90% units. Quite often when the inducer is ramping up or down there is a certain rpm that will cause a 'rumbling' sound for a few seconds. Unless it is severe (like rattling the china) I would leave it as the inducer assemblys are $pendy.

I would agree Carrier & Bryant both have this issue, no to much to worry with.:.02:

[IKLV77]

I would agree Carrier & Bryant both have this issue, no to much to worry with.:.02:

Thanks for the info Aircooled & gasguy.

I'm feeling happier with this news today! I still think I should have a tech come out, if nothing more to give the unit a cleaning, and just see if he confirms, (hopefully) that it is the inducer too.

I've looked at Bryant's website to get feel what a new inducer would cost, but they side-step this topic and say "call your authorized dealer..."

I know we can't talk out-of-pocket costs or anything dollar related. So would a new inducer cost be $$$ or am I looking into $$$$ to replace this? If this is a no-no too, just ignore this paragraph. ;)

The good thing is, the units heat and cool the house ok. Just noticed that strange noise couple months before. It's not terribly loud, and only last a couple of seconds.

I appreciate the feedback everyone.