It can be easy to ignore some of the sounds coming from the systems and appliances in your home. This is because it’s easier to deny something that may be amiss, since fixing the problem can be an expensive inconvenience. However, there really are some noises that should never be ignored. While a rattle, for example, might signal nothing more than a loose panel on the cabinet that you can tighten yourself, it could alternatively suggest that you have a cracked heat exchanger—which is a much more serious problem.
Here at Comfort Flow, we understand just how vital it is to protect yourself and the rest of your household. If you hear any unusual or suspicious noises, please don’t hesitate to contact us for an inspection. Read on to learn what unsettling sounds warrant a call to our team.
Screeching
A loud screeching noise is probably a sign that the blower motor in your furnace or heating system isn’t working as it should. A malfunctioning blower motor won’t allow the heat being produced by your heater to circulate warm air into and around your home as it should.
This might just mean that your blower motor is in desperate need of lubrication, but alternatively, it may suggest that your fan has stopped working altogether. In order to properly diagnose this problem, it’s important to contact a trusted local HVAC technician. Once the problem is diagnosed, we’ll be able to advise you on the next steps to take.
Clanking
If you hear something that seems like metal striking metal, then you probably are hearing metal striking metal. This can be a serious issue, such as a loose component or a problem with the heater’s blower wheel. If you hear severe clanking, the best thing you can do is turn off your heater and then give us a call. Allowing the noise to continue means you may be letting damage accumulate, however unintentionally.
Banging or Booming
Usually, a “boom” or a “bang” you may hear coming from the furnace indicates a dirty burner. This sounds benign, but it can actually become quite dangerous. The sound you hear is caused by a delay in ignition due to dirt and buildup. What happens is that the gas builds up, and when it ignites, a small explosion occurs inside your furnace as the gas bursts through the dirt and grime.
Remember, cleaning the burners is something that should be left to the pros. There is too much room for error and potential injury otherwise. It’s always safer to call in a pro for heater repairs of any kind, particularly when dealing with gas.
Rattling
We mentioned rattling above, in regards to a loose cabinet door. This is a pretty minor issue, but rattling doesn’t always indicate something small. If you’ve checked the cabinet and it seems fine, but you’re still hearing a rattling, then you could be listening to a broken heat exchanger, which can lead to harmful carbon monoxide exposure. Please contact us right away if you have a suspicious rattle coming from your system.
When you’re in need of professional heating repair in Springfield, OR, look no further than Comfort Flow Heating. Contact us today!
