4 Furnace Noises and What They Mean
There are a number of furnace noises that are normal, especially when the furnace is just starting up. But, if the noises are excessive, loud, or out of the ordinary, we recommend shutting off the unit and calling a professional. Here are 4 common yet problematic furnace noises and what they typically mean.
1. Loud bang or boom
A loud bang or boom should never be coming from your furnace. This sound may be caused by your furnace having trouble igniting, creating a gas buildup in the combustion chamber which causes a small gas explosion when the furnace finally ignites. A gas burner that is having trouble igniting is an indicator of a clog, gas pressure problem, or a very dirty furnace. This is not something you should try fixing yourself. If you hear this noise, shut off your furnace and contact a licensed technician.
2. High-pitched squealing
If your furnace is making a high-pitched squealing noise, this is usually an indicator of a worn-out blower motor bearing. The bearings wear out from continuous friction from the blower motor during operation. High-pitched squealing can also be caused by insufficient lubrication or a damaged belt. Compared to other furnace repairs, these repairs are pretty minor and inexpensive, but if you are not familiar with the tools or equipment, call a professional.
3. Rattling or rumbling
A loose or broken part inside of your furnace will create a rumble or rattle. As this broken or loose part bangs into other components inside the furnace, it will cause more damage and require additional repairs. Be sure the cause is not as simple as a loose door cover, and if not, shut the system off and call for a furnace repair. Even if you know how to replace the broken part, it is best to get a full unit inspection.
4. Whistling
When your filter is dirty and the airflow running through your furnace is restricted, the air may make a whistling sound as it passes through the narrow openings. This not only creates an annoying sound, but your furnace must work much harder to reach your desired temperature. You’ll be paying a higher-than-necessary utility bill and you are shortening the lifespan of your unit. Always be sure to replace the filter as often as the furnace manufacturer recommends.
Loud or odd noises coming from your furnace are rarely a good thing. It’s always best to heir on the safe side and talk to a professional HVAC specialist. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides furnace inspections, repair, cleaning and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Whether it is an emergency or you need some guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us online or call us today.
My Furnace is Running but Not Heating
Is your furnace running but not creating warm air and heating your home? If so, below is a list of possible culprits that you can check yourself before calling an HVAC technician. Some of these you can fix yourself, others you will need to consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It might seem too simple, but if your furnace is not creating heat, always start with checking the thermostat. The batteries might be dead or an adjustment could have been made without you knowing and the fix is as quick as a setting change.
Check the Filter
A dirty filter can wreak havoc on your furnace. Not only will it obstruct airflow, but it will not clean the air before it runs through the unit and inhibit the unit from doing its only job. If your filter is dirty, replace it or clean it and test your furnace.
Inspect the Pilot Light
Gas furnaces rely on a standing pilot light to operate. If the pilot light somehow goes out, the fan may run but the furnace will not warm the air. If you don’t see a blue flame near the bottom of your furnace, you will need to access the reset switch and use a lighter to light the pilot again. If this happens multiple times, you should call an HVAC pro.
Check the Condensate Line
High-efficiency or condensing furnaces produce condensation during combustion. This excess moisture falls onto a drip pan and is drained outside of the home through a condensate line. These condensate lines can become clogged with dirt and grime, especially if you do not keep up with furnace maintenance and filter changes. If the line becomes blocked, the water will end up back in the furnace, which will trip the overflow kill switch and shut down your furnace. Your furnace will either not turn on or simply blow cold air.
Inspect the Burners
The burners on gas furnaces are responsible for delivering and adjusting the flow of gas to keep it lit when running. If your furnace has not been cleaned in a while, dirt and debris can collect on the burners, preventing your furnace from getting enough gas to burn and warm the air. This is a fairly simple repair, but always consult a professional if you are not familiar with the equipment.
In many cases, cold air blowing through your vents is an easy problem to fix that you can do yourself. If you cannot figure out why your furnace is running but not heating the air, it is time to call an HVAC expert to diagnose your furnace.
In need of a furnace diagnosis, cleaning, repair or replacement? Grand Home Services in Aurora provides all these services and more throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
When to Call for an Emergency Furnace Repair
Furnaces are complex systems that need repairs and tune-ups from time to time, but every so often the unit needs immediate attention. When there is an issue with your furnace, it can be stressful trying to figure out if this is something you can fix yourself, something only a professional can handle, or—worst-case scenario—an emergency.
Below are some common situations in which you should call for an emergency furnace repair. When in doubt, always call an HVAC specialist.
Your Furnace Won’t Turn On or Blows Cold Air
Complete furnace breakdowns occur when you cannot get your unit to turn on or blow warm air. If your furnace isn’t working, you should immediately check your circuit breaker and your thermostat. If your unit is receiving power and the thermostat is set higher than the ambient temperature of your home, it’s a situation where you should call for an emergency furnace repair. The longer you wait, the more uncomfortable your home will become, especially here in Aurora, Colorado where we reach below freezing.
Unusual Noises
If your furnace is making unusual noises, especially loud noises, shut the unit off immediately and call for an emergency repair. Unusual noises typically mean a part is loose or broken and needs to be replaced. Letting the furnace run with a broken part could cause much more damage and a much higher repair bill.
Gas or Carbon Monoxide Leak
If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide detectors are going off, this is an emergency that needs to be taken care of immediately. This is not something you should take care of yourself. Call the fire department to come take care of the problem.
Another indication of a carbon monoxide leak is a yellow flame in your furnace (the flame should be blue). A yellow flame does not always mean a carbon monoxide leak, but it is still a reason to shut off the unit and call for an emergency furnace repair.
Electrical Issues
If you suspect an electrical problem, you should not wait to call a professional. Some common signs of a furnace electrical problem are a tripped breaker, a buzzing or humming sound, or a flickering/dim pilot light. Electrical issues are very serious and not something you should attempt to take care of yourself. There is a risk of a serious home electrical issue like a blackout or fire. An HVAC contractor has the experience and the technical knowledge needed to identify and fix the problem.
If you are near Grand Home Services in Aurora, please give us a call. We offer 24/7 furnace emergency repair services throughout Aurora and the Denver Metro Area.
5 Ways to Prepare Your AC for Summer
Your air conditioner will likely work when you turn it on for the first time in months, but that doesn’t mean you should do nothing and leave it be. When your air conditioner sits for months, dust and debris collect and that should be cleared before it runs consistently. This ensures the unit runs at peak efficiency, prevents unnecessary repairs, and extends the lifespan of the unit.
Below are 5 ways to prepare your air conditioner for summer. If you aren’t comfortable taking care of any of these steps or need some extra guidance, always call a professional!
1. Safety First
Before you do anything, make sure to cut the power to the air conditioner. This ensures the unit does not turn on when you’re working on it, keeping you and the unit safe. Most air conditioners have a switch near the outdoor unit, usually in a metal box.
2. Clean or Replace the Filters
At an absolute minimum, your AC filter needs to be changed before the summer season. Changing your filter before the season will undoubtedly lower your energy bill. These filters are very inexpensive and could be saving you hundreds of dollars per season. In addition, changing your filters on a regular basis prolongs the lifespan of your system, prevents breakdowns, and keeps your AC unit and vents clean.
3. Clean and Clear Debris
While our winters are quite mild here in Aurora, Colorado, it is inevitable our outdoor units will accumulate leaves, dust and debris throughout Winter. It is very important you clear any debris that may get into the unit. You can spray the sides of the unit and the area around the unit with a hose, wipe the fan blades with a damp rag, and vacuum the coils with a vacuum brush attachment. This simple step will keep your unit running efficiently and help prevent a freeze-up.
4. Program your Thermostat
Another great way to get your air conditioner ready for Summer is to program your thermostat beyond simply setting the temperature. It’s best to set the temperature a few degrees higher during the day, helping your unit not work so hard to cool your home when the outdoor temperature is at its highest. Many thermostats now allow you to set an “away” temperature, which should be a few degrees higher than your “day” temperature. This can be used when you are gone for days at a time, or even during a normal weekday when no one is home.
5. Talk to a Pro
While this is not absolutely necessary, it is always a good idea to have a professional inspect, clean and tune-up your AC unit. A professional HVAC technician will ensure the unit runs at peak efficiency throughout the summer season and does not need any repairs. Even better, they can provide tips on maintaining the unit yourself.
Here in Colorado, we experience some very high temperatures and really put our air conditioners to the test. Make sure your AC unit is ready for Summer! Contact Grand Home Services online or give us a call for an AC tune-up, cleaning, or even emergency repair. We are located in Aurora and service the Denver Metro Area.
