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 undergone a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some troubles that need to be examined. A big problem you may encounter is your furnace making unusual noises – read about these furnace noises you should never disregard.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud raking racket that sounds like metal on metal, there is likely something wrong with the blower wheel. If you hear something like this, shut off your furnace ASAP and call Neal Harris Service Experts to inspect the equipment. There are multiple things that could be amiss with the blower wheel. First, it could just be loose and if the component is not too damaged, can be tightened. Second, it could be that the blower wheel is broken and needs to be replaced. Or third, it might be that the motor mount is what broke, causing the complete 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 silent and comfortable home you have come to love.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud bang when your furnace comes on, there are a handful of things that could be happening. Two common things are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Stretching and contracting air ducts can also create loud noises after the furnace blower comes on. A soiled furnace burner or ignitor could holdup the burners from igniting, resulting in 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 those small explosions caused the heat exchanger to break. 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 trouble, stretching and contracting air ducts, is a usual noise complaint for homeowners 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. Neal Harris Service Experts is happy to come out to diagnose your issue and get your home back in working order. Also, this will also provide improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a squealing sound, it could be the shaft bearings are in need of oil, there is an issue with the blower belt, or the blower motor is malfunctioning. An annual heating tune-up will help discover these issues before they become big problems so make sure you contact us at 816-787-0500 and we’ll make sure your heating equipment is ready to keep you safe and cozy all winter long.