If you’re like most people, you try to steer clear of things that go bump in the night. But, what do you do when it’s your furnace doing the bumping? Furnace sounds can be scary and for good reason! Here are a few of the most worrying wails your furnace might make, and what they may be trying to tell you.
Screeching, scraping metal.
Like nails on a chalkboard… yuck! If you hear a scratching, scraping metal sound, odds are your blower wheel is in despair. Usually, this means it’s either come loose from the motor shaft, has broken, or the wheel mount it sits on has broken. Either way, your best bet is to call in the pros.
Bang! Pop! Pow!
No, that’s not the cheeky intro for your favorite comic book hero. It’s likely the result of a dirty furnace or expanding air ducts. When your furnace is dirty, it can cause it to ignite on a delay, allowing more gas to build, which results in mini-explosions at startup. No bueno! On the other hand, expanding air ducts are often a sign of undersized ducts, blocked vents or a dirty air filter.
Squealing, whining or whistling.
Whistling signifies just what you would think — that air is escaping the system somewhere. Tightening or sealing might do the trick in this case, but it’s still best to have your unit examined by a pro. A high-pitched squeal could indicate your blower belt is in distress or that your blower motor needs attention as well.
While these are a few of the most common furnace problems we find that need fixing, there are a variety of other issues that can arise, too. That’s why it’s so important to have your unit examined regularly by a professional HVAC technician to correct and prevent any issues that might arise down the line.
Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC is a full-service heating and cooling contractor serving Fairfield County, New Haven County, and the surrounding areas. For more information on our air conditioner and installation services, (203) 378-4700 or request a service appointment online today.