If the furnace in your Central Ohio area residence is making “funny noises,” you are right to show concern. And you are in the right place.
Although some noises are completely normal and harmless, others are not. It’s imperative you know the difference, as some noises need to be checked by an HVAC professional because some noises indicate serious danger.
To help our Franklin County area customers, we at Upper Arlington Heating & Air list four common furnace noises a homeowner might hear and how our preventative maintenance service can help you avoid expensive repairs.
Loud Banging or Popping Noises
Certain banging sounds or popping noises are completely normal with systems that utilize ductwork to transport treated air. Because air ducts are made of sheet metal, they expand and contract when they become warmer or cooler. Nonetheless, if you are hearing excessively loud (louder than normal) popping or banging sounds and your home isn’t getting the heated air you need, there might be a problem with the ignition system. When a furnace’s burners become dirty, they can allow gas to get inside the unit’s housing. Because it won’t be able to light at the burner if it is escaping, this can cause an explosion.
In any case, this problem can be a highly dangerous one. If this is something your heating system is doing, please shut it down and call us without delay.
Humming Noises
Humming noises coming from a heating system isn’t a normal sound and might be from a malfunctioning starting capacitor or some other issue having to do with the motor itself. If not addressed by a technician, this humming sound could get loud and then evolve into a blown motor. Keep in mind, you should hear a faint humming noise the day your system is installed. We are referring to anything louder than that.
Screeching or Squealing Sounds
If there’s a discernable screeching or squealing noise that’s like nails on a chalkboard, or metal scratching, it might indicate your blower wheel is having problems. The wheel might have come loose from the motor shaft. Or, it may be broken or hitting against the sides of the system. In any case, screeching noises often indicate a bad belt or motor blower.
“Thwapping” Sounds
If you hear a “thwapping” noise, or smacking sound that sounds like a playing card flapping against a bicycle spoke, there’s probably something lodged or stuck in the blower’s blades. If this is the case and the object comes loose, it could go into the housing and damage something else.
Don’t take risks!
Residential heating systems are complex machines that are intricate; they utilize a whole host of parts and equipment, and they use fuel to generate heat. If you’re hearing any other unfamiliar sounds — thumping, squealing, rumbling, banging, loud whistling, etc. — it’s something you should take seriously. We suggest turning the unit off and giving us a call right away to avoid danger and further damage.
If your furnace is not heating properly and is making noises, call Upper Arlington Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
Also keep in mind, these are things that can be addressed ahead of time as part of a standard preventative maintenance appointment, which really should be done every year!
