Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could create an HVAC system that was completely noiseless? Trust us, if they invented this we’d be first in line to install them! But the fact of the matter is, you’re going to hear your furnace making noises. You’ll hear the ductwork fluctuating as temperatures change, and you’ll hear your furnace cycling on and shutting off, plus the whoosh of air coming through your vents.
Of course, there are some noises you don’t want to hear. Truthfully, anything outside of what you normally hear day-to-day should be cause for alarm. There are 4 noises, in particular, you should never ignore, which we’ve listed below.
1. Screeching
Do you hear a loud screeching noise coming from your furnace? This is probably a sign that the blower motor isn’t working as it should. A failing blower motor means that the heat being generated by your furnace won’t even be able to circulate warm air around your home in a successful matter.
This may just mean that your blower motor needs lubrication, which is something our technicians can and do handle. It could also suggest that your fan has stopped altogether. To properly diagnose the situation, it’s important that a trained and experienced HVAC technician visits your home. Once diagnosed, they can advise you on the next steps.
2. Clanking
Do you hear a clanking sound—something that resembles metal-on-metal? Then you likely are hearing metal-on-metal, in the form of a problem with the furnace’s blower wheel. If this is the case, you must turn your furnace off and contact a pro right away to prevent further damage to the wheel. More damage to the wheel means more damage to your wallet.
3. Booming
Also described as “banging,” booming is almost always indicative of a dirty burner. This might seem like a pretty benign problem, but it can actually be quite dangerous. The noise you’re hearing here is caused by a delay in ignition due to dirt and grime buildup. The gas builds up as a result, and when it ignites a small explosion occurs inside the heating system.
The actual “explosion” we’re referring to isn’t even the worse part. The problem here is that the more this occurs, the more likely it is that your heat exchanger will accumulate damage. A cracked or damaged heat exchanger leaks gas into your living space—specifically, carbon monoxide gas. This can make members of your household ill in most cases, and in very severe cases can even be fatal.
If you hear a booming or banging at system startup, please turn off your furnace right away and give our pros a call.
4. Rattling
This is another one of those noises that seem really minor. But if you hear rattling coming from your furnace, you shouldn’t just make this assumption. True, it could be something simple like a loose panel or screw that needs tightening. But a very real possibility is that a cracked or broken heat exchanger is causing this problem, too.
For expert HVAC service in Dacula, GA, contact Wall Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today!