How to Troubleshoot a Rheem Furnace Humming Noise
Rheem furnaces are high efficiency gas models that are available in several different formats, including upflow, downflow, horizontal or upflow/downflow horizontal. Most Rheem furnaces include a diagnostic display panel, stainless steel heat exchanger, reduced firing rates and a low speed fan. While the furnace should function well with periodic care and maintenance, issues may arise with the unit. One such problem is if the furnace is making a humming noise, which can potentially be solved with some troubleshooting techniques.
Arrange items in the home away from return-air grilles and maintain a space between objects and the vents and grilles on the furnace. If the vents and grilles are obstructed, air flow is reduced and a humming noise may result as the furnace works harder to operate.
Unplug and turn off the Rheem furnace. Remove the main access panel and push the filter up and in to release the filter from the housing. Clean the filter with water and dishwashing liquid before rinsing well. Air dry the filter until completely dry and put the filter back in the housing by pushing down and in.
- Rheem furnaces are high efficiency gas models that are available in several different formats, including upflow, downflow, horizontal or upflow/downflow horizontal.
- If the vents and grilles are obstructed, air flow is reduced and a humming noise may result as the furnace works harder to operate.
Clean the blower fan and motor with a soft brush to eliminate dirt or debris that may be causing the noise.
Tighten the mounting screws inside the burner compartment and the blower compartment.
Verify that the connections on the furnace are firmly tightened and are not damaged, cracked or torn.
Restore power to the furnace. Contact Rheem if the noise continues.
Troubleshoot A Furnace That Won't Turn Off
Most home furnaces are designed to come on when the temperature in your home falls to a certain degree and stay on until the temperature rises back to your ideal level. A furnace could potentially not turn off for a few different reasons. Replace your "furnace limit switch." Turn off your furnace completely (including shutting off the gas line) and replace your furnace limit switch with a new unit compatible with your specific make and model number of furnace. Check the wiring to your furnace's thermostat. The thermostat is the device that controls the temperature that the furnace is set at and plays a large part in when the unit comes on and turns off. You can also try replacing the thermostat altogether. Stuck buttons can cause your furnace to not shut off properly and will eventually need to be replaced.
- Clean the blower fan and motor with a soft brush to eliminate dirt or debris that may be causing the noise.
- Turn off your furnace completely (including shutting off the gas line) and replace your furnace limit switch with a new unit compatible with your specific make and model number of furnace.
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Writer Bio
Meredith Jameson writes early childhood parenting and family health articles for various online publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from San Francisco State University.