This is the time of year homeowners start turning on their furnaces to settle in for a long winter. Unfortunately, when some heaters start up, especially if it hasn’t had a seasonal heating tune-up, there are some problems that need to be examined. A serious problem you may run into is your furnace making unusual noises – take a look at these furnace noises you should never neglect.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scraping sound that sounds like metal on metal, there is possibly something faulty with the blower wheel. If you hear a noise like this, power off your furnace right away and call McElroy Service Experts to inspect the system. There are a couple things that could be wrong with the blower wheel. First, it might just be loose and if the piece is not too impaired, can be tightened. Second, it may be that the blower wheel is broken and in need of replacement. Or third, it might be that the motor mount actually broke, causing the whole blower assembly to vibrate uncontrollably. One of our service professionals would be happy to come to your home and take a look, and get you back to the noiseless and cozy home you have come to expect.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud bang when your furnace turns on, there are a handful of things that could be happening. Two common issues are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Expanding and contracting air ducts can also cause loud bangs after the heating system blower starts up. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, causing gas to build up. When the gas finally does ignite, it will create the loud pop 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 could be very pricey.
The other trouble, expanding and contracting air ducts, is a common noise complaint for homes with metal ducts. If your system is making the loud pop and it is a result of your air ducts, it could be a sign of undersized ducts, blocked vents, or a clogged air filter. McElroy Service Experts is happy to come out to diagnose your trouble and get your home back in working order. Also, this will also provide improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a whining disturbance, 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. A seasonal system tune-up will help catch these issues before they become major problems so make sure you give us a call at 308-210-4398 and we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to keep you safe and cozy all winter long.