Anytime a furnace or home heating unit makes strange or unusual noises, it’s usually a warning sign that should be taken seriously. To avoid further problems down the road that could cost more to fix, homeowners hearing unusual sounds coming from their home heating system should have their unit checked by an HVAC expert. Even if the noises turn out to be something minor, experts say it’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. Doing otherwise could result in a furnace breakdown during the coldest months of the year, or even premature replacement from full system failure.
To help Southwest Ohio area residents recognize the difference between harmless furnaces sounds and noises that are serious, our experts at Wilmington Heating & Cooling present the following:
Noise #1 Loud Humming
Humming noises originating from a home heating system, when noticeably loud, often indicate a defective starting capacitor or some other problem with the furnace motor or blower motor. If not correctly diagnosed by an HVAC expert, this type of issue can progress into a major problem down the road. Nevertheless, you should always hear a faint humming sound emanating from the system, even immediately after the unit is installed. If it becomes obviously louder, however, it usually causes for concern. Your local furnace experts at Wilmington Heating & Cooling are always available to help you get to the bottom of any sort of HVAC problem, big or small.
Noise # 2 Squealing or Screeching
If you’re hearing squeaking or screeching noises similar to nails on a chalkboard, or metal squealing, and it is originating from your HVAC unit, it could indicate your blower wheel is having issues. This wheel could have come loose from the motor shaft. It could be broken or banging up against the sides. In any case, screeching and squealing noises usually indicate there’s a bad belt or motor blower.
Noise #3 Popping or Banging
Mild banging noises or popping sounds might be normal if it’s coming from the air ducts, which transport warm air throughout your home. Because ductwork is made out of sheet metal, it’s not unusual for the metal to contract and expand when they’re hot or cold and make this type of noise. However, if you are hearing popping or banging noises that are louder than normal and your home isn’t getting the heated air you need, there could be a problem with the unit’s ignition. Sometimes, when a heating system’s burners become dirty, gas escapes into the housing. Because it won’t be able to light at the burner if it is escaping, this gas can build up and cause an explosion. Because of this possibility, this problem can be a highly dangerous one. If this is something your heating equipment is doing, please shut it down and call Wilmington Heating & Cooling right away. Don’t delay! It’s not risking your home and your safety!
Noise #4 Smacking
If you start hearing a “thwapping” or “smacking” noise that sounds similar to a playing card flapping against a bicycle spoke, it could indicate a problem needing addressed. Usually, there is something lodged or stuck in the blower’s blades. If something is lodged and the object becomes loose, it could go into the housing and damage something else making the problem far worse. If you hear this type of noise, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Noises from minor issues are easy to fix for a lot less money. Repairing something worse or dealing with a furnace breakdown when it’s cold outside is an entirely different issue.
If your furnace is making strange sounds, call us today!
Residential heating equipment is complex. These systems are intricate machines that utilize a wide range of parts and components. Furthermore, they use fuel to generate heat which can become a safety hazard quickly. If you’re hearing any unfamiliar noises — whether it be thumping, smacking, banging, squealing, rumbling, rolling, popping, whistling or screeching from your furnace — you should take the matter seriously. We suggest calling us right away to avoid further damage and safety issues. Safety should always come first when it comes to HVAC equipment. If your furnace isn’t heating properly and it’s beginning to make noises or has been making noises, call Wilmington Heating & Cooling today at (937) 764-3575!
