Listen for These Furnace Noises

New HVAC systems are relatively quiet. But with time and use, the heating system in your home might have a lot to say. If homeowners listen carefully they might hear that it is time for furnace repair in San Jose, CA.

Normal Furnace Noises

The furnace can make a suitable amount of noise. It might be the sound of the lighting, air blowing through the ducts, the occasional pop of warming ducts, or buzzing from the fans. These are all pretty harmless and parts of normal operation and should not be cause for concern. However, there are other weird or scary noises that pose bigger threats and could even be dangerous.

Scraping Noises

You never want to hear metal on metal clanking or scraping. This could be a serious problem with the blower wheel that has come loose and is hitting the casing. You should turn off the heating right away and call a professional for a diagnosis and repair.

Screeching Noises

While not as big of a deal as scraping noises, screeching can be extremely annoying and is still cause for concern. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to pinpoint the problem. A loose or damaged blower belt could cause the noise. It could also be dry shaft bearings or a malfunctioning blower motor. The quickest way to resolve the noise is by calling for furnace repair.

Loud Boom Noises

If you hear a sound that is like a gunshot when the furnace turns on, it could be dirty burners. The delayed ignition causes a small explosion when the ignition finally comes on. As part of a tune-up technicians can clean the burners. It could also be gas built up in the system. This is not normal and could potentially crack the heat exchanger which is an expensive repair. If you hear a loud boom turn off the system immediately and call for furnace repair.

Rattling Noises

Rattling could come from a loose panel or screw. Before attempting to tighten the panel make sure you shut your system off so it doesn’t suddenly turn on while you work. You can tighten down the panel and see if that fixes the problem. If the noise persists it could also be a crack or leak in the heat exchanger. Leaks can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the home which is why it is important to contact someone right away.

Rumbling Noises

There is a slight difference between rattling and rumbling. The lower register noise could mean dirty burners or just a pilot light that needs adjustments. Check the pilot light. The flame should be a steady blue, which indicates a clean and efficient burn. Other colors like red, yellow, purple, or orange indicate an inefficient burn. Cleaning and adjusting the burners are all part of routine maintenance.

You can avoid most of these noises with routine furnace repair in San Jose, CA. That is why annual maintenance is so important. To set up a service, contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning.