Does the furnace in your Warren County, Ohio, area home make strange noises? If so, you’re right for showing concern, and you’re in the right place.
Because no one likes a noisy furnace, and because some furnace noises are cause for serious concern, we at Lebanon Heating & Cooling present the following:
Smacking or Thwapping Noises
Smacking sounds or “thwapping” sounds — similar to the sound of a playing card flapping against a bicycle spoke — often indicate there’s probably something stuck or lodged in the blower’s blades. If this is the cause of the noise and the object breaks loose, it could end up in the housing, causing damage to something else.
Humming Sounds
Although a furnace’s motor should have some faint humming noise, If you have humming noises that are beyond the normal sound originating from your furnace, it might be from a defective starting capacitor or something else regarding the system’s motor. If this is the case and it isn’t addressed by an expert, it could progress and result in a blown motor.
Screeching or Squealing
Screeching or squealing noises that seem excessive and remind you of the sound of nails on a chalkboard, or metal scratching, might indicate a problem with the furnace’s blower wheel. The wheel might have come loose from the motor shaft. Or, it might be defective or hitting against the sides of the system. In any case, screeching noises often mean there’s a bad belt or motor blower problem.
Popping and/or Banging
Some banging and/or popping noises are normal with HVAC systems that utilize ductwork to transport treated air, which is most of them. Because air ducts are made out of sheet metal, they contract and expand when they get hot or cold air blowing through them. However, if a homeowner notices excessively loud or obviously new popping or banging noises and your home isn’t getting the heated air or cooled air you are accustomed to, 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 continues escaping, it can build up and lead to 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.
Don’t allow strange sounds to go unchecked!
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 Lebanon Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
