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 frigid winter. Unfortunately, when some furnaces start up, especially if it hasn’t had a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some troubles that need to be assessed. A serious problem you may encounter is your furnace making funny noises – check out these furnace noises you should never disregard.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scraping sound that sounds like metal on metal, there is possibly something wrong with the blower wheel. If you hear a noise like this, power off your furnace immediately and call Stevenson Service Experts to inspect the system. There are multiple things that could be faulty with the blower wheel. First, it may just be loose and if the component is not too damaged, can be tightened. Second, it might be that the blower wheel is broken and needs to be replaced. Or third, it could be that the motor mount is what broke, causing the entire 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 warm home you have come to adore.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud bang when your furnace turns on, there are a couple things that could be going on. Two general problems are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Stretching and contracting air ducts can also produce loud booms after the furnace blower turns on. A filthy furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, causing gas to build up. When the gas does finally ignite, it will create the loud pop you hear. This could cause a safety issue, especially if one of these small explosions caused the heat exchanger to crack. Not only could that cause a carbon monoxide leak, but you will have to replace the heat exchanger, which may be very expensive.
The other problem, extending and contracting air ducts, is a usual 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. Stevenson Service Experts is happy to set up an appointment to diagnose your issue and get your home back in working order. Ultimately, this will also result in improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining sound, it could be the blower motor is malfunctioning, the shaft bearings are in need of oil, or an issue with the blower belt. A seasonal system tune-up will help catch these issues before they become big problems so make sure you contact us at 614-334-3192 and we’ll make sure your heating system is ready to keep you safe and comfortable all winter long.