Why Your Furnace May Be Making These Noises
This is the time of year homeowners start turning on their heaters to settle in for a cold winter. Unfortunately, when some heating systems start up, especially if it hasn’t undergone a yearly heating tune-up, there are some troubles that need to be examined. A serious problem you may discover is your furnace making unusual noises – read about these furnace noises you should never ignore.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scratching racket that sounds like metal on metal, there is probably something defective with the blower wheel. If you hear a sound like this, power off your furnace immediately and call Stevenson Service Experts to inspect the furnace. There are a few things that could be amiss with the blower wheel. First, it may just be loose and if the part is not too impaired, can be tightened. Second, it could 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 whole blower assembly to shake uncontrollably. One of our service experts would be happy to come over and take a look, and get you back to the quiet and cozy home you have come to love.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud boom when your furnace turns on, there are a couple things that could be going on. Two common issues are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Expanding and contracting air ducts can also create loud sounds after the heating system blower comes on. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could holdup the burners from igniting, causing gas to build up. When the gas finally does ignite, it will create the loud boom you hear. This could result in a safety issue, especially if one of these small explosions caused the heat exchanger to deteriorate. Not only could that produce a carbon monoxide leak, but you will have to replace the heat exchanger, which can be very pricey.
The other issue, extending 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 a result of your air ducts, it could be an indication of undersized ducts, blocked vents, or a clogged air filter. Stevenson Service Experts is happy to visit your home to diagnose your issue and get your home back to order. Ultimately, this will also give you improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining noise, it could be the blower motor is malfunctioning, the shaft bearings are in need of oil, or an issue with the blower belt. A routine system tune-up will help discover these issues before they become big problems so make sure you contact us at 614-334-3192 and we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to keep you safe and cozy all winter long.