If you find yourself wondering if your furnace is too noisy, the answer is probably “Yes.” Your furnace is not inherently noisy. In fact, the only noise you should hear coming from your furnace is the gentle whooshing of air through the vents once it is turned on. So, if you do hear any odd noises, you don’t want to take it with a grain of salt.
We never recommend attempting to diagnose the problem yourself. It is always better to contact an HVAC professional. They have both the experience and the equipment necessary to pinpoint the exact source of the issue and to come up with a plan to resolve it. Our friendly technicians at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating are here to help you if you need furnace repair in Arlington, VA.
Below, we have listed some of the sounds you definitely don’t want to hear your furnace making:
Screeching
A loud screeching sound is a sign that the blower motor in your furnace is not working properly. The blower motor is the mechanism responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home.
A screechy blower motor might just mean that it is in desperate need of lubrication, but it could also be an indication that the fan has stopped altogether. Either way, a professional needs to be called.
Clanking
If you hear what sounds like metal-on-metal, you might have a serious problem with your furnace’s blower wheel. If this is the case, you should turn off your furnace and contact your local HVAC expert to prevent further damage.
Bangs and Booms
In most cases, bangs and booms are symptoms of a dirty burner. Over time, burners can become clogged with dirt and build-up, which can lead to ignition problems. The sound you hear is actually a delay in ignition. The gas builds up, and when it finally ignites, a small explosion occurs inside of your furnace.
Cleaning the burner yourself is not something we would ever recommend. There is a lot of room for error, and you don’t want to end up spending more money in the long run. Plus, cleaning your burner can be dangerous! It is always safer to call a trusted technician, especially when you are dealing with gas.
Rattling
Never assume the rattling you might hear is due to a loose screw or panel. Though this might be the case, a rattle could mean there is a potentially dangerous problem with your furnace. A broken heat exchanger could be the cause of this sound. When there is excess heat in the furnace, the heat exchanger becomes susceptible to cracks, which are very serious. A cracked heat exchanger could allow carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas.
If you become aware of any of the aforementioned sounds coming from your furnace, be sure to contact your local HVAC technician right away. We know how important the safety of yourself and your family is to you. Here at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer comprehensive repair services.