Your house is quiet in the dead of night. You’re tucked in bed under a blanket. Then, from somewhere in the basement, you hear a loud bang.
But instead of a pre-Halloween prank, you discover that your furnace has decided to audition for a horror movie.
Furnaces and heating systems naturally make some noise while running, but sudden banging, screeching, rattling or other strange sounds can signal that something needs attention. In fact, unusual noises are among the warning signs Complete Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing tells Central Indiana homeowners to watch for.
Before you blame ghosts or goblins, here are some of the scariest sounds your heater can make and what they might mean.
Things That Go Bump in the Night
A loud bang when your furnace kicks on is definitely startling. It can also be a sign of delayed ignition, which occurs when gas builds up before igniting. Dirty or clogged burners can contribute to this problem.
If the banging seems to come from your ductwork instead, expanding and contracting metal may be the culprit. A little popping can happen as ducts heat up and cool down, but loud or persistent banging deserves a closer look.
These noises are not something you should ignore. They can signal a serious furnace problem that could damage your system or create a potential safety hazard. Turn off your furnace and call an HVAC professional to inspect it.
Screeching, Squealing and Grinding, Oh My!
If your furnace suddenly sounds like it has unleashed a banshee, your blower system may be asking for help.
Squealing or screeching can point to problems involving a blower belt, motor or bearings. Grinding or metal-on-metal noises can indicate worn or damaged blower components.
These noises may start small, but they can get louder as components continue to wear. Your furnace is not going to heal itself, so scheduling service early could help prevent a more serious breakdown.
Rattling and Clicking: Your Furnace Is Talking
Rattling can come from loose panels or components while persistent clicking may indicate an ignition-related problem. Whistling or hissing can point to airflow issues.
The important thing is to pay attention when your heating system sounds spooky. Strange noises can provide an early warning that something is loose, worn or malfunctioning.
So, when your furnace starts making sounds worthy of a haunted house, don’t hide under the covers. Call in someone who knows exactly what those bumps, bangs and shrieks mean.
Keep the scares in the movies and the warmth in your home. Call Complete Comfort at (317) 934-6591 or contact us online to schedule heating service today.