With temperatures consistently in the 30’s and 40’s at night, you require a warm home and working furnace. However, if your heating system makes strange sounds, it may be time to have a professional take a look. Here are five furnace sounds and what they could mean in your Mt. Pleasant, SC home.
1. Loud Scraping in Furnace
If you hear a screeching metal sound, it could mean that the blower wheel came loose. If your furnace sounds like it has things tumbling around in it, turn it off immediately and contact a professional.
2. Popping and Banging
This one is usually simple thermodynamics. Metal HVAC ducts bend and flex in response to temperature changes. If it persists, it could be a dirty filter. You should replace the filter once a month.
3. Booming
This issue sometimes starts as a low rumble with some ignition problems. If you have a dirty burner, gas could build up inside the furnace and cause a small explosion. This requires a professional touch and means you should schedule maintain appointments for your furnace consistently.
4. Rattling
As with most heating system problems, turn it off immediately. While rattling could be a sign of something as simple as a loose screw or a damaged part, it could mean something more dangerous.
A cracked heat exchanger can leak colorless, odorless carbon monoxide gas into the home, causing suffocation. CO poisoning is more common in winter, so be sure that your furnace is in tip-top shape.
5. Whistling
A whistling sound means something is leaking. The air in older HVAC ducts can leak through small holes, making an annoying, high-pitched noise.
Another potential cause is a clogged filter. Either way, have an HVAC technician make a diagnosis.
Keep your home safe and cozy this winter with an up-to-date and quiet heating system. If your furnace is making any strange noises, contact us at M & B Heating and Air for any of your HVAC service needs.
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