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You rely on your furnace to keep the house warm all winter, so it’s unnerving when it makes strange sounds. While no furnace will run in complete silence, there are some noises that should have you picking up the phone to call an HVAC contractor. Here’s what you should listen for to prevent heating emergencies during the coldest months of the year.

Which Furnace Sounds Mean Trouble?

1. Squealing

If the belts and bearings inside the furnace encounter excess friction, they can make a high-pitched squealing or squeaking sound. HVAC contractors will fix the issue by oiling moving parts with a special lubricant and tightening any loose belts. In some cases, the noises are caused by parts that have aged beyond repair. Pay for replacements now to avoid heating emergencies later.

2. Rattling

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Heating systems rely on blower fans to push warmed air throughout the house. These moving parts need to be carefully balanced so they don’t shift around as they spin. If the balance is thrown off by debris, the fan may start to make a rhythmic rattling sound. 

While this situation isn’t an emergency, it makes the entire unit less efficient. Arranging for repairs can prevent rising utility bills and a chilly house.

3. Constant Clicking

Furnace ignition systems should only click once when the unit gets turned on and the fuel gets lit. If the clicking continues, gas is being released into the inner chambers, but failing to ignite. 

It could also mean there’s a damaged sensor that’s triggering the furnace to constantly cycle on and off. To avoid health hazards, shut the furnace down and call a professional to diagnose the issue.

4. Booming

These startling sounds occur at the beginning of a cycle when the furnace lights up. Caused by excess gas igniting, they could mean the filters, coils, or burner valves are clogged. Since the heat exchanger isn’t built to withstand the resulting pressure levels, it could end up cracked. 

This allows carbon monoxide to leak into the home and could lead to a need for an entirely new heating system. A technician can fix the problem by cleaning the delicate parts involved. Schedule annual maintenance to stop the issue from recurring.

5. Metallic Banging

Sounds of metal on metal mean something has come loose within the furnace. Whether it’s because of a loose blower fan or a collapsed motor mount, the constant grinding can quickly break the affected parts. Turn the furnace off until an HVAC contractor can open it up and repair the issue.

 

If your furnace is making strange noises, contact the team at Hunter Heating & Air Conditioning in High Point, NC. These experienced HVAC contractors have been serving the community since 1931. Whether you need to schedule routine maintenance or are searching for dependable emergency repair services, their highly trained crew is ready to help. Call (336) 882-3367 to book an appointment, or learn more about their heating products and services online.

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