Why Your Furnace May Be Making These Noises

November 23, 2016

This is the time of year people start turning on their furnaces to settle in for a long winter. Unfortunately, when some heating systems start up, especially if it hasn’t had a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some issues that need to be assessed. A big problem you may encounter is your furnace making unusual noises – check out these furnace noises you should never neglect.

Scraping Sound

If you hear a loud scratching racket that sounds like metal on metal, there is probably something wrong with the blower wheel. If you hear a sound like this, power off your furnace ASAP and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect the system. There are a few things that could be faulty with the blower wheel. First, it could 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 needs to be replaced. Or third, it might be that the motor mount itself broke, causing the entire 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 quiet and comfortable home you have come to expect.

Loud Bang When Furnace Starts

If there is a loud bang when your furnace comes on, there are a few things that could be occurring. Two general things are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Extending and contracting air ducts can also produce loud bangs after the heating blower turns on. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could holdup the burners from igniting, causing gas to build up. When the gas does finally ignite, it will create the loud boom you hear. This could cause 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 pricey.

The other problem, expanding and contracting air ducts, is a typical noise complaint for people with metal ducts. If your equipment 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 trouble and get your home back to order. Ultimately, this will also result in improved comfort as well.

Whining Noise

If you hear a squealing sound, it could be the blower motor is malfunctioning, the shaft bearings are in need of oil, or an issue with the blower belt. An annual system tune-up will help discover these issues before they become major problems so make sure you call us at 321-428-7635 and we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to keep you safe and warm all winter long.

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