Your furnace is an important part of your household, providing reliable heat and comfort during the cold months of winter. In towns like Westlake, furnace technology is the best line of defense against Ohio’s notoriously bad winter weather. Whether it’s a traditional gas furnace, a boiler, or an alternative form of heating such as a heat pump or a radiant system, your heating system needs to function when you need it to. Part of that equation means spotting signs of trouble before they get out of hand. Noises, in particular, are a harbinger of problems, and if you hear any odd sounds from your heater, you should shut it off and call in a repair service immediately.
Here’s a brief list of noises your furnace should not be making.
- Grinding noises. This usually indicates metal parts, such as the fan, grinding against other parts: increasing friction and enhancing the chances of a motor overload.
- Booming noises; especially when the furnace starts up. This might mean a problem with the burners releasing too much gas, or a similar issue.
- Rattling noises. Rattling noises could mean a loose bolt or other object in the heater itself, or a fan motor or similar component that is loose in its housings and vibrating as it works.
- Groaning noises. Groaning noises sometimes arise on a cold day when you first start your furnace up. The cold metal of the ducts can sometimes stretch a bit when the warm air hits it. On the other hand, it could indicate a component under considerable stress, and in any case probably merits the attention of a service professional.
- Clunking noise. A clunking sound could indicate a fan blade that is out of alignment, or a cracked fan belt which is thumping in its rotation.
In general, any noise you’re not accustomed to hearing is probably a noise your furnace should not be making. Furnace repair in Westlake can be handled by the experts at Westland Heating and Air Conditioning. If you’re having a problem with your heating system, then don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call!
