Four Common Furnace Issues You Should Never Ignore

January 23, 2019

Modern-day home heating systems are typically quiet when they kick on. The most you may hear is the air intake powering up, although the volume level depends on where the intake is installed in your home. One day you might hear your furnace making a strange noise, or the unit may start blowing cool air. Of course, furnace trouble is more likely to occur in the winter months than in any other time of the year.

Go ahead and take a look at the outside of the unit, but it’s best to not attempt repairing it yourself. If you have a problem you cannot fix, call an HVAC professional to help with furnace repair in Chalmette, LA. Here are four of the most common furnace issues you should never ignore.

Loud scraping noise

A common loud noise associated with a problem furnace is scraping noises that sound like metal on metal. If this is the case, there might be something funny going on with the blower wheel in the unit. Turn off your furnace as soon as you hear this sound and call a reliable HVAC technician immediately for a furnace inspection. One of several things could be wrong with the blower wheel. The first reason might be that it is loose; it can be tightened if the piece is not too damaged. Another possibility is that the motor mount is broken, which will cause the blower assembly to shake uncontrollably.

Whining sounds

You shouldn’t hear a high-pitched noise coming from your furnace. If you do, it’s either due to the shaft bearings needing oil, an issue with the blower belt or the blower motor having a defect. This issue can often be discovered during a scheduled seasonal furnace tune-up.

Loud pops and bangs

Hearing a loud pop when the unit kicks on is unusual. As mentioned earlier, you generally shouldn’t hear your furnace running. Loud bangs could be caused by a dusty furnace ignitor or burner, which could prevent the burners from igniting. This causes gas to build up so that, when it does ignite, it makes a popping sound. Your safety could be in danger if this results in a small explosion and the heat exchanger cracks. Other effects include carbon monoxide leaks, having to replace the heat exchanger or needing a complete furnace replacement in Chalmette, LA.

Cold air blowing out

Your furnace or heating system shouldn’t be blowing out cool air. If it is, the first thing to do is check the thermostat. It may seem simple, but the thermostat could be set to “on” instead of “auto.” The “on” position means the system is blowing continuously whether or not it’s heating the air coming in. Be sure it’s set to “auto,” in which case it will only blow when it’s actually heating up the air. Also, check the ductwork and vents for blockages, and replace dirty filters.

If you are in need of residential or commercial furnace repair in Chalmette, LA, look no further than JMB A/C & Heating LLC. We will help make sure your home is nice and toasty this winter!

Categorised in:

JMB A/C & Heating LLC