A gentle humming noise is normal for your HVAC system. But you shouldn’t hear other sounds. If the furnace in your Chesapeake, Virginia, home is making unusual noises, it’s important to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. Therefore, don’t wait for a minor sound to become a major problem. Use these tips to troubleshoot that noise:
Squealing or Scraping
Squealing and scraping noises are often associated with your system’s blower and belts. A squealing noise in your HVAC system is similar to a squealing noise in your car, and may indicate an issue with one of your belts.
This sound could also mean that your blower is overdue for annual maintenance and needs a thorough cleaning. If you hear a grinding or scraping sound in the system, it’s likely the result of an imbalanced or failing blower motor. You’ll need to repair or replace it immediately.
Banging and Clanking
Banging, rattling, and clanking sounds usually mean that something is loose in your system. This could be the motor assembly, blower assembly or another component. In your furnace, this noise could indicate a corroded heat exchanger. You can’t conclusively diagnose this issue yourself. Therefore, it’s important to call a professional HVAC service technician for a proper diagnosis.
Wheezing
If your HVAC system sounds like it’s struggling to take a deep breath, that’s probably exactly what’s happening. That wheezing noise typically indicates a dirty air filter. Your HVAC system can’t pull in the air that it needs if the filter isn’t changed regularly. Install a new filter every one to three months. Schedule annual maintenance visits as well to make sure the rest of your system is clean and pulling air in easily.
Most unusual HVAC noises necessitate a professional service call. Get to the bottom of a concerning sound quickly. Contact our knowledgeable service technicians at Weather Makers, Inc. Call 757-263-4869 to make your appointment today.
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