It’s that time of year 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 received a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some problems that need to be examined. A big problem you may discover is your furnace making weird noises – check out these furnace noises you should never disregard.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud raking racket that sounds like metal on metal, there is probably something defective with the blower wheel. If you hear something like this, shut off your furnace ASAP and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect the furnace. There are a few things that could be faulty with the blower wheel. First, it may just be loose and if the piece is not too impaired, can be tightened. Second, it might be that the blower wheel is broken and will require replacement. Or third, it might be that the motor mount is what broke, causing the whole blower assembly to vibrate uncontrollably. One of our service experts would be happy to come over and take a look, and get you back to the noiseless and warm home you have come to expect.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud pop when your furnace kicks on, there are a couple things that could be occurring. Two common problems are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Stretching and contracting air ducts can also create loud noises after the heating blower turns on. A soiled 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 boom you hear. This could cause 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 will have to replace the heat exchanger, which could be very costly.
The other problem, extending and contracting air ducts, is a common noise complaint for homeowners with metal ducts. If your furnace is making the loud pop and it is a result of your air ducts, it could be an indication 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 problem and get your home back in working order. Also, this will also result in improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining sound, it could be the blower motor is malfunctioning, the shaft bearings are in need of oil, or an issue with the blower belt. A seasonal system tune-up will help discover these issues before they become serious problems so make sure you give us a call at 919-578-4329 and we’ll make sure your heating system is ready to keep you safe and warm all winter long.