Now is when families start turning on their heaters to settle in for a frigid winter. Unfortunately, when some furnaces start up, especially if it hasn’t undergone a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some troubles that need to be inspected. A major problem you may run into is your furnace making unusual noises – read about these furnace noises you should never disregard.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scraping noise that sounds like metal on metal, there is possibly something defective with the blower wheel. If you hear a noise like this, turn off your furnace immediately and call Strogen's Service Experts to inspect the equipment. There are multiple 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 itself broke, causing the whole blower assembly to rattle uncontrollably. One of our service professionals would be happy to come out and take a look, and get you back to the silent and cozy 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 few things that could be occurring. Two common things are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Stretching and contracting air ducts can also cause loud bangs after the heating blower turns on. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, forcing gas to build up. When the gas finally ignites, it will create the loud pop you hear. This could result in a safety issue, especially if one of these small explosions caused the heat exchanger to break. Not only could that produce a carbon monoxide leak, but you will have to replace the heat exchanger, which could be very pricey.
The other issue, extending and contracting air ducts, is a typical noise complaint for people with metal ducts. If your furnace is making the loud boom and it is produced by your air ducts, it could be an indication of undersized ducts, obstructed vents, or a clogged air filter. Strogen's Service Experts is happy to come out to diagnose your issue and get your home back to order. Additionally, this will also provide improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining noise, it could be the blower belt, shaft bearings in need of oil, or even a malfunctioning blower motor. An annual system tune-up will help catch these issues before they become serious problems so make sure you give us a call at 603-923-4570 and we’ll make sure your heating system is ready to keep you safe and cozy all winter long.