Now is when families start turning on their heaters to settle in for a frigid winter. Unfortunately, when some heating systems start up, especially if it hasn’t had a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some problems that need to be inspected. A major problem you may run into is your furnace making unusual noises – take a look at these furnace noises you should never neglect.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scratching noise that sounds like metal on metal, there is probably something wrong with the blower wheel. If you hear a sound like this, shut off your furnace immediately and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect the furnace. There are a few things that could be amiss with the blower wheel. First, it could just be loose and if the piece is not too harmed, can be tightened. Second, it may be that the blower wheel is broken and needs to be replaced. Or third, it may be that the motor mount is what broke, causing the entire blower assembly to shake uncontrollably. One of our service professionals would be happy to come out and take a look, and get you back to the noiseless and warm home you have come to love.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud boom when your furnace kicks on, there are a couple things that could be occurring. Two common things are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Extending and contracting air ducts can also produce loud booms after the furnace blower comes on. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, forcing gas to build up. When the gas does finally ignite, it will create the loud bang you hear. This could end up being a safety issue, especially if one of the small explosions caused the heat exchanger to crack. Not only could that cause a carbon monoxide leak, but you would also have to replace the heat exchanger, which can be very pricey.
The other issue, stretching and contracting air ducts, is a common noise complaint for homes with metal ducts. If your system is making the loud bang and it is produced by your air ducts, it could be a sign of undersized ducts, closed vents, or a clogged air filter. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to set up an appointment to diagnose your trouble and get your home back in shape for the winter. Additionally, this will also provide improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a squealing sound, it could be the blower motor is malfunctioning, the shaft bearings are in need of oil, or an issue with the blower belt. An annual furnace tune-up will help discover these issues before they become major problems so make sure you give us a call at 440-252-1375 and we’ll make sure your heating equipment is ready to keep you safe and comfortable all winter long.