It’s that time of year when families start turning on their heating systems to settle in for a cold winter. Unfortunately, when some heating systems start up, especially if it hasn’t undergone a yearly heating tune-up, there are some issues that need to be examined. A big problem you may discover is your furnace making unusual noises – take a look at these furnace noises you should never disregard.
Scraping Sound
If you hear a loud scraping noise that sounds like metal on metal, there is likely something faulty with the blower wheel. If you hear something like this, shut off your furnace immediately and call San Antonio Air Service Experts to inspect the system. There are multiple things that could be amiss with the blower wheel. First, it might just be loose and if the part is not too impaired, can be tightened. Second, it may be that the blower wheel is broken and needs to be replaced. Or third, it could be that the motor mount itself broke, causing the entire blower assembly to rattle uncontrollably. One of our service technicians would be happy to come over and take a look, and get you back to the quiet and comfortable home you have come to love.
Loud Bang When Furnace Starts
If there is a loud pop when your furnace turns on, there are a few things that could be occurring. Two common issues are a dirty furnace burner or ignitor. Extending and contracting air ducts can also produce loud bangs after the heating system blower starts up. A dirty furnace burner or ignitor could prevent the burners from igniting, forcing 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 these small explosions caused the heat exchanger to deteriorate. 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 problem, extending and contracting air ducts, is a typical noise complaint for homeowners 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. San Antonio Air Service Experts is happy to set up an appointment to diagnose your issue and get your home back in working order. Ultimately, this will also give you improved comfort as well.
Whining Noise
If you hear a squealing noise, it could be the blower belt, shaft bearings in need of oil, or even a malfunctioning blower motor. A routine furnace tune-up will help find these issues before they become big problems so make sure you call us at 210-570-9705 and we’ll make sure your furnace is ready to keep you safe and cozy all winter long.