Hear That? What Those Furnace Noises Could Mean
While the weather has still been very mild for September, we all know what is lurking behind the sunshine and warm temperatures. Weather on the prairies can change quickly and dramatically, which is why it’s important to ensure that you and your home, are ready for the drop in degrees.
One of your most trusted and valued appliances throughout the fall and winter is your furnace. However, when you turn it on for the first time in months, is it ready to keep you warm for the remainder of the year?
In today’s blog, we want to chat about noises your furnace might makeand when you should give the Action team a call to ensure it’s running smoothly and effectively.
Why is my furnace making that noise?
Loose or damaged parts
Like most appliances in your home, a furnace has parts that can work loose or wear out as it ages. If you are hearing rattling or banging sounds coming from your furnace, this could indicate loose screws, panels, or a failing blower motor.
Dirty or clogged air filters
We have spoken in previous blogs about the importance of changing your furnace air filter regularly. The longer you wait to change it, the more likely it is to become clogged, meaning your furnace won’t work as effectively and might start making some unwelcome noises. If you notice a whistling sound, or that your furnace seems to be making louder sounds than usual, checking and replacing the filter is a great place to start, and it’s something you can do on your own.
Ductwork and vent issues
To effectively circulate warm air throughout your home, a furnace utilizes a blower along with various ducts and vents. When ducts expand and contract, they can produce popping or booming noises, especially at the start of a heating cycle as warm air meets cold ducts. Insulating the ducts can help mitigate this issue, though the popping itself is not a major concern.
Closed or blocked vents and registers force the system to work harder, and the furnace gets louder as it struggles to push air through. To avoid this problem, make sure all vents are open and free from obstructions.
Blower or fan issues
The blower motor moves the hot air from the furnace throughout the ducts and pushes it into your home. When the blower isn’t working properly, you might start to hear a high-pitched squealing or grinding noise. You may even notice a louder humming noise, which could be caused by problems with the blower fan.
In some cases, you might be able to fix the fan or blower without calling a professional. However, to be sure, we suggest giving our team a call so we can come and check it out and ensure everything is working as it should be.
While some things can be handled on your own, like replacing the air filter, unusual sounds coming from your furnace could mean bigger problems. If you hear rattling, squealing, or whistling sounds, it’s likely not a good sign!
The Action Plumbing team is here to help troubleshoot and fix any problems you might be experiencing and ensure your furnace is in tip-top shape before the prairie winds start howling.