With winter in full swing, many of us are looking forward to settling in at home in a cozy living room, away from the freezing outside temperatures. But what if your heating system doesn't deliver the home comfort you're looking for? At CARJON, we offer reliable furnace repair services and often get questions from homeowners like:
"What should I do when my furnace blows cold air?"
"Why is my furnace making noise?"
and "What is that smell coming from my heating system?"
In case you're experiencing heating system issues in your own home, here is a brief guide to what causes the most common furnace noises—and when to call our specialists for professional help.
Loud Banging or Booming
A furnace making loud banging or booming noises could be a sign that there is a gas buildup in your system. This issue can cause the furnace heat exchanger to crack, leading to an expensive repair. With a quick call to our furnace repair technicians, we can diagnose the problem and get your heating system running smoothly again as soon as possible.
If these sounds aren't coming from your furnace, your ductwork could be expanding and shifting. Our team can also assess your ductwork to determine if the problem lies there rather than your HVAC unit.
Squealing, Screeching, or High-Pitched Noises
If your furnace is making high-pitched noises, like squealing or screeching, it is generally not as serious of a problem. However, it will require help from an experienced heating contractor because these sounds can indicate a number of issues. It could be a small issue like a loose part—or the problem could be more serious, like a malfunctioning blower motor.
Rattling
Rattling noises from a furnace can be a sign that there is a loose panel or screw, which may be an easy fix depending on the location. In most cases, however, it's best to turn off your heating system immediately and call an experienced furnace specialist. The issue could be something very serious, like a crack in the heat exchanger, which can lead to a deadly carbon monoxide gas leak in your home.
Rumbling or Humming
A furnace making rumbling or humming noises could indicate that your furnace needs maintenance. Scheduling a tune-up could resolve the issue—or help our heating specialist determine what the real problem at hand is. During a tune-up, we’ll also tighten any loose connections and lubricate all moving parts, optimizing your system to run at maximum efficiency.
For heat pumps or dual fuel systems, a constant humming noise might indicate issues with the reversing valve or compressor, which is a crucial component for the system.
Whistling or Buzzing
If your furnace is making whistling or buzzing noises, it could be due to air leaks in the ductwork or a clogged air filter. These issues are a quick fix, but can significantly reduce your system's efficiency if not addressed promptly.
Prevent Heating Issues with Annual Heating Maintenance
Annual HVAC maintenance is crucial for all types of heating systems, including traditional furnaces, heat pumps, and dual fuel systems. Regular tune-ups help identify potential issues before they turn into costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
The CARJON team has expertise in not only furnaces but also boilers, heat pumps, and mini-splits as well. We offer tiered comprehensive maintenance agreements and a Premium Protection Plan that can help ensure optimal heating system performance.
