December 6, 2013

With cold weather already upon us, now is not the time to close your ears and hope that the furnace quiets down.

We all grow accustomed to the everyday sounds in our house, and tend to tune them out. If you hear something new coming from your furnace, it is a good idea to have an HVAC technician make a house call to investigate. You do not want to wait until it actually breaks down, especially now, when the weather is so cold.

The Sounds of A Noisy Furnace

Ignoring a noisy furnace can lead to costly repairs or even a need for a replacement. In some cases it may even be dangerous.  It is imperative that you call an HVAC technician if you notice an unusual noise coming from your furnace. Certain sounds are indicative of a furnace in dire need of cleaning. A dirty furnace can catch on fire and destroy your home.

A certain amount of popping or rattling can be expected in your ductwork. The ducts are made of metal, and as it heats and cools it will expand and contract to cause some popping. Rattling is more serious and could indicate that a duct has come loose. An HVAC technician will localize and fix the problem. If it is persistent or loud, insulation can be used to muffle it.

Clicking before the gas ignites inside your furnace may mean that an important sensor needs to be cleaned. If after your HVAC technician cleans it and it still persists, then he may need to replace it. This is not a repair for the inexperienced.

Potentially A Bigger Problem

If you hear a booming after ignition then the burners have built-up debris on them. Over time these pipes, which transport the gas, will collect dust and debris. The boom is the gas pushing its way through the pipes. This is a problem that can quickly lead to expensive damage if not addressed right away.  Cleaning them is best left to a professional HVAC company.

A suddenly noisy furnace should be checked as soon as possible. Besides the inconvenience of having it breakdown in the middle of winter or worse catch on fire, it could also be a hazard to the health of your family. If a heat exchanger cracks, combustion gases like carbon monoxide will enter your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and will be undetectable without a sensor. In most cases, it may cause an illness similar to the flu, but a large build-up could lead to death.

Have Your Furnace Cleaned

If you have not already done so, it is highly recommended that you have your furnace serviced and cleaned now, before the winter weather really sets in. An unmaintained furnace can breakdown without warning, leaving you and your family without heat. If you need help identifying a new noise, do not hesitate to call Scott-Lee Heating Company at (314) 200-0788. We will be happy to help you determine the cause and remedy the problem before it turns into the need for a costly repair.