When a furnace is in trouble, it may sometimes beg for help by making some unusual noises. You should learn what these noises are because that knowledge can save you some trouble this winter. Here are three furnace noises that homeowners in Norfolk, VA, should never ignore.
1. Whistling
Dirty air filters can cause your furnace to start whistling. This noise can be a result of dirt accumulating on your furnace’s air filters. However, despite this buildup, air will still continue to flow. That air will have to pass around the blockages that the dirt has created, which will probably have irregular shapes. As a result, flowing air will create friction with the debris and cause whistling. To silence this sound, clean or replace your filters approximately every 90 days.
2. Grinding or Scraping
Grinding or scraping noises generally indicate that some part of your furnace is out of place or damaged. For example, this part could be a blower wheel. When you hear this jarring noise, shut off your furnace and call an HVAC technician to come out for repairs.
3. Rattling
Various things may cause your furnace to rattle, but loose parts and scattered debris are the two of the most common culprits. Either the access panel or any number of bolts may have come loose and caused a ruckus. If pebbles, twigs or other items find their way into the system, they will likely also start tumbling around and making noise.
A final possibility is that your furnace’s heat exchanger has cracked, though it is rare for this to cause rattling. Regular maintenance can remove or even prevent the first two causes of rattling. Dealing with the third cause will require a more drastic action. You should call for help right away because a cracked heat exchanger may call for replacement.
When something goes wrong with your furnace, trust your ears to help you recognize the problem. To stay warm in Norfolk, VA, this winter, ask us for help. Call Absolute Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc. to request our furnace repair services.
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