It's that time of year when people start turning on their heaters to settle in for a frigid winter. Unfortunately, when some heating systems start up, especially if it hasn’t undergone a yearly heating tune-up, there are some issues that need to be examined. A big problem you may run into is your furnace making weird noises - take a look at these furnace noises you should never ignore.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scraping racket that sounds like metal on metal, there is probably something faulty with the blower wheel. If you hear a sound like this, turn off your furnace immediately and call Service Experts to inspect the system. There are multiple things that could be wrong with the blower wheel. First, it may just be loose and if the part is not too damaged, can be tightened. Second, it may be that the blower wheel is broken and in need of replacement. Or third, it may be that the motor mount actually broke, causing the complete blower assembly to vibrate uncontrollably. One of our service technicians would be happy to come to your home and take a look, and get you back to the quiet and cozy home you have come to expect.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud bang when your furnace turns on, there are a handful of things that could be occurring. Two general things are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Stretching and contracting air ducts can also produce loud sounds after the heating blower comes on. A filthy furnace burner or ignitor could delay the burners from igniting, causing gas to build up. When the gas finally does ignite, it will create the loud boom you hear. This could end up being a safety issue, especially if one of these small explosions caused the heat exchanger to crack. Not only could that cause a carbon monoxide leak, but you'd end up having to replace the heat exchanger, which can be very pricey.
The other issue, expanding and contracting air ducts, is a typical noise complaint for people with metal ducts. If your system is making the loud bang and it is caused by your air ducts, it could be a sign of undersized ducts, closed vents, or a clogged air filter. Service Experts is happy to visit your home to diagnose your issue and get your home back in shape for the winter. Additionally, this will also give you improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining noise, it could be the blower belt, shaft bearings in need of oil, or even a malfunctioning blower motor. A routine heating tune-up will help find these issues before they become serious problems, so make sure you contact us at (866) 963-7996 and we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to keep you safe and comfortable all winter long.