Chances are, if you’ve lived through even just one winter here, you know how important it is to have an effective and efficiently working heating system. The furnace has earned its place among one of the most popular types of heating systems that homeowners choose, due to their prompt, effective heating performance. But just like any other heater, the furnace will accrue wear and tear. And in addition to routine maintenance, you will likely need the occasional Norman, OK furnace repair, too.
The longer you wait to address heating repair needs, the worse off your heater will be. The good news is, though, that your furnace almost always gives off warning signs when it’s in trouble. You just have to know what to look for—or more accurately, what to listen for.
Furnace Repair Warning Signs
There are a number of warning signs that may suggest your furnace is compromised and in need of professional services. Among the most common is the development of strange, unusual sounds coming from the system.
As a homeowner with a furnace, you’re likely well aware that there is no such thing as a silent furnace. Even an electric furnace with no problems and no fuel combustion will emit some fan/blower sounds. But what you need to listen for is any sound that is not a normal operational noise. This might include:
- Scraping: If you detect a scraping noise or a screeching sound coming from your furnace that sounds like metal on metal, then you are probably hearing the result of a loose or broken component. It may be that you have a loose blower wheel, or you could have a broken motor mount. Whatever the case may be, if you continue to run the system despite this noise, you’re going to damage the furnace more—and it’s only going to make more noise (the least of your troubles).
- Banging: Do you use a gas or propane furnace? If you do, and you hear it making a loud banging or popping noise when it starts up, then you could be experiencing delayed ignition. This means that too much fuel is building up before the system ignites it. This results in a small, contained “explosion” of sorts. Obviously, this isn’t something you want to persist. If the sound is happening at odd intervals, however, and not at startup, then it might be ductwork expanding and contracting under temperature fluctuations. This isn’t a big problem—actually, it might not be a problem at all—but if it’s the first time you’re hearing this, do not ignore it! Give our team a call.
- Whining: A whining sound should never come from your furnace. If your system is making this noise as it operates, then you might be low on lubrication on the system’s moving parts. You might also have a worn out belt in the system or one that has slipped out of place. Whatever the case, these seemingly minor problems can end up costing more to fix and leave you in discomfort for longer periods of time if left ignored. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at the first sign—sound—of trouble!
At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable—call today, service today!
