When your El Paso, TX, furnace is running properly, it’ll run only emitting a white noise in the background. It’s easy to dismiss other noises, which oftentimes start subtly. However, if you understand and heed these warning noises, you can circumvent larger problems and more expensive repairs.
Scraping or Grinding
A scraping or grinding that sounds like metal on metal comes from your circulating fan. The fan wheel has either broken or come loose. Alternatively, one of the mounting bolts has broken.
This condition causes extra resistance in the electrical components of the furnace. This will eventually cause those components to burn up, causing even more furnace repairs. Inspect the circulating fan wheel and repair it as soon as possible.
Squealing
High pitched squealing comes from the blower assembly. It either needs lubrication, or a fan belt needs tightening or replacement.
Banging
Banging comes from the flexing of the sheet metal in your air ducts. This can indicate you have a clogged furnace filter that isn’t passing enough air through it for the system to run properly, leading to a vacuum.
Duct banging also indicates a possible problem with your ducts not being properly sized for the system. It may indicate you have closed or blocked vents, causing pressure in the system.
Rumbling
When your furnace first cycles on, you may hear a low roar as the combustion chamber ignites. However, if that turns into a longer rumbling, you have a problem—likely with the burner. A trained professional should investigate and repair any possible burner problems.
Thumping
Thumping and vibrating often come together and usually trace back to an unbalanced blower wheel or blower motor. A technician will inspect your blower motor and wheel for balance and damage during regular maintenance.
Most noises are avoidable when you perform regular maintenance on your system. Call Dynamic Heating & Cooling, Refrigeration to schedule your furnace maintenance today.
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