It’s that time of year when homeowners start turning on their furnaces to settle in for a long 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 inspected. A major problem you may discover is your furnace making weird noises – take a look at these furnace noises you should never ignore.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud raking racket that sounds like metal on metal, there is likely something defective with the blower wheel. If you hear something like this, power off your furnace right away and call Coastal Service Experts to inspect the system. There are a couple things that could be wrong with the blower wheel. First, it could just be loose and if the piece 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 could be that the motor mount is what broke, causing the entire blower assembly to rattle uncontrollably. One of our service professionals would be happy to come over and take a look, and get you back to the silent and warm home you have come to adore.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud boom when your furnace turns on, there are a couple things that could be happening. Two common issues are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Expanding and contracting air ducts can also create loud noises after the heating system blower starts up. A filthy furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, resulting in gas to build up. When the gas finally does ignite, it will create the loud pop you hear. This could end up being a safety issue, especially if one of the small explosions caused the heat exchanger to break. Not only could that result in a carbon monoxide leak, but you’d end up having to replace the heat exchanger, which may be very costly.
The other problem, extending and contracting air ducts, is a common noise complaint for homes with metal ducts. If your furnace is making the loud bang and it is a result of your air ducts, it could be a sign of undersized ducts, closed vents, or a clogged air filter. Coastal Service Experts is happy to visit your home to diagnose your trouble and get your home back to order. Ultimately, this will also provide improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a high-pitched sound, it could be the blower belt, shaft bearings in need of oil, or even a malfunctioning blower motor. A routine system tune-up will help discover these issues before they become major problems so make sure you give us a call at 912-208-2399 and we’ll make sure your heating equipment is ready to keep you safe and warm all winter long.