This is the time of year people start turning on their furnaces to settle in for a long winter. Unfortunately, when some heaters start up, especially if it hasn’t had a yearly heating tune-up, there are some issues that need to be examined. A major problem you may encounter is your furnace making weird noises – read about these furnace noises you should never neglect.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud raking racket that sounds like metal on metal, there is probably something wrong with the blower wheel. If you hear a noise like this, shut off your furnace immediately and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect the system. There are a couple things that could be wrong with the blower wheel. First, it might just be loose and if the component is not too impaired, can be tightened. Second, it might be that the blower wheel is broken and needs to be replaced. Or third, it might be that the motor mount actually broke, causing the entire blower assembly to vibrate uncontrollably. One of our service professionals would be happy to come to your home and take a look, and get you back to the silent and warm home you have come to expect.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud boom when your furnace turns on, there are a handful of things that could be happening. Two common problems are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Stretching and contracting air ducts can also create loud sounds after the heating blower turns on. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, causing 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 those small explosions caused the heat exchanger to deteriorate. Not only could that result in a carbon monoxide leak, but you’d end up having to replace the heat exchanger, which can be very expensive.
The other trouble, expanding and contracting air ducts, is a usual noise complaint for homeowners with metal ducts. If your furnace is making the loud boom and it is caused by 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 working order. Ultimately, this will also provide improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining sound, it could be the blower belt, shaft bearings in need of oil, or even a malfunctioning blower motor. A seasonal heating tune-up will help discover these issues before they become major problems so make sure you give us a call at (713) 352-7887 and we’ll make sure your heating equipment is ready to keep you safe and warm all winter long.