This is the time of year families start turning on their furnaces to settle in for a long winter. Unfortunately, when some heaters start up, especially if it hasn’t undergone a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some troubles that need to be assessed. A serious problem you may discover is your furnace making funny noises – take a look at these furnace noises you should never disregard.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scratching sound that sounds like metal on metal, there is likely something wrong with the blower wheel. If you hear a sound like this, power off your furnace immediately and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect the furnace. There are a couple things that could be faulty with the blower wheel. First, it might just be loose and if the component is not too harmed, can be tightened. Second, it may be that the blower wheel is broken and in need of replacement. Or third, it could be that the motor mount actually broke, causing the entire blower assembly to shake uncontrollably. One of our service technicians would be happy to come over and take a look, and get you back to the silent and cozy home you have come to expect.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud pop when your furnace comes on, there are a handful of things that could be occurring. Two common issues are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Expanding and contracting air ducts can also create loud noises after the furnace blower comes on. A filthy furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, resulting in gas to build up. When the gas does finally ignite, it will create the loud pop you hear. This could result in a safety issue, especially if one of the small explosions caused the heat exchanger to crack. Not only could that result in a carbon monoxide leak, but you would also have to replace the heat exchanger, which may be very expensive.
The other problem, expanding and contracting air ducts, is a typical noise complaint for homes with metal ducts. If your equipment is making the loud pop and it is a result of your air ducts, it could be a symptom of undersized ducts, closed vents, or a clogged air filter. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to visit your home to diagnose your trouble and get your home back in shape for the winter. Also, this will also provide improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining noise, it could be the blower motor is malfunctioning, the shaft bearings are in need of oil, or an issue with the blower belt. A routine furnace tune-up will help discover these issues before they become big problems so make sure you call us at 540-302-8645 and we’ll make sure your heating system is ready to keep you safe and comfortable all winter long.