Sometimes, when a home heating system makes unusual sounds, it can be a clear warning sign that a homeowner needs to heed to prevent further problems and even all out system failure. Then again, sometimes, some sounds are completely normal.
To help you recognize the difference between harmless furnaces noises and those that are warning signs of trouble, we at Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning put together the following:
Squealing or Screeching Sounds
If you’re hearing screeching or squealing sounds that remind you of nails on a chalkboard, or metal scratching, and it’s coming from your HVAC equipment, it could mean 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.
Loud Humming Noises
Humming noises coming from a heating system, if unusually loud, could be from a malfunctioning starting capacitor or some other problem revolving around the motor itself. If this doesn’t get looked at by a technician, it could progress into a major blown problem. Keep in mind, you should hear a faint humming noise the day your system is installed. If it becomes obviously louder, it might be a reason for concern.
Popping or Banging Noises
Mild banging sounds or popping noises are fairly normal with unit’s that utilize ductwork to transport treated air. Because air ducts are made from sheet metal, they contract and expand when they’re hot or cold. Nevertheless, if you are hearing excessively loud (louder than usual) popping or banging noises and your home isn’t getting the heated air or cooled air you need, there might be a problem with the system’s ignition. Sometimes, when a heating system’s burners are dirty, gas can escape into the unit’s 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. 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.
The “Thwapping” Noises
If you hear a “thwapping” noise, or smacking sound that’s 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 gets loose, it could go into the housing and damage something else.
If your furnace is giving you warning signs, call us today!
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 Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (937) 230-5221.
