It’s that time of year when families start turning on their heating systems to settle in for a cold winter. Unfortunately, when some furnaces start up, especially if it hasn’t received a yearly heating tune-up, there are some troubles that need to be inspected. A serious problem you may run into is your furnace making funny noises – take a look at these furnace noises you should never disregard.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud raking noise that sounds like metal on metal, there is possibly something wrong with the blower wheel. If you hear a sound like this, turn off your furnace immediately and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect the furnace. There are a couple 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 might be that the blower wheel is broken and will require replacement. Or third, it might 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 to your home and take a look, and get you back to the silent and cozy home you have come to love.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud bang when your furnace turns on, there are a few things that could be happening. Two general things are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Extending and contracting air ducts can also produce loud noises after the furnace blower comes on. A soiled 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 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 could be very costly.
The other issue, extending and contracting air ducts, is a usual noise complaint for people with metal ducts. If your system is making the loud boom 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. Additionally, 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 catch these issues before they become major problems so make sure you call us at 318-588-8163 and we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to keep you safe and warm all winter long.