Are there scary sounds coming from your basement or your garage? Chances are they are not ghosts and monsters. More than likely, it’s your furnace. Here are some scary sounds you may hear and what they mean.
Loud Banging
Do you ever hear a loud banging, booming, or even a popping sound when your furnace first turns on? This could be an indication that the burner is dirty from all that dust and dirt build-up. Another cause for these sounds could be your ductwork. If you have metal ductwork, the ducts can expand and contract when the temperature changes. While it’s completely normal for your metal ductwork to cause noises in your furnace, if you’re unsure about the cause, then you should schedule an appointment with your local HVAC company.
Whining or Squealing
If you hear whining or squealing coming from your furnace, you may be thinking it’s an animal or something spooky. More than likely, it’s your blower belt. Over time, your belt can experience some wear and tear that causes it to misalign – or it’s just loose and needs to be tightened. During your next maintenance, ask your HVAC technician about this noise. It could just be that your blower belt needs lubrication.
Rattling
There are typically two reasons for rattling noises inside your furnace. First, it could be a loose panel or a loose screw in your furnace. Second, it could be a leak or crack in your heat exchanger – which is very dangerous if not addressed quickly. Faulty heat exchangers can end up leaking carbon monoxide into your home, so if you hear this noise, don’t wait to contact your local HVAC professionals.
Whistling
No, the whistling sound is not a spooky creature in your home. It’s usually due to restricted airflow from a clogged air filter. According to the EPA, it’s recommended you change your air filter every 3 months – at a minimum. We recommend you try to change your air filter to see if the noise goes away. If it persists, contact your HVAC professionals for further assistance to figure out the cause of this sound.
Humming
While it’s normal for a furnace to produce a low humming sound during operation, it could be an indication of a serious problem if it becomes noticeably loud and annoying. Usually, this is due to an issue with your blower fan or capacitor. To prevent further damage to your fan, have a technician take a look and see about repairing your blower motor.
Schedule a Furnace Maintenance with the Professionals at American Air & Heat in Oviedo, FL Today!
At American Air & Heat, your comfort is our top priority. Whether you need to schedule a furnace diagnostic, repair, replacement, or maintenance, our team of experts is here to help with all your HVAC needs! Contact us today at (407) 512-9337 or fill out our online form here so a team member can be in touch with you soon.
