Why is my heating system making noise?

When your car is making a strange noise, it’s typically a sign that something is wrong and you need to see a mechanic. The same goes for heating systems – and the earlier you address a problem, the better. As a homeowner, it’s important to tune in to strange noises – from clanging, banging, squeaking and chirping – to properly maintain the underpinnings of your home.

Different types of noises correlate to different problems. Also, different types of heating systems produce different issues. Know what type of system your home employs and listen carefully to what your heating system is telling you. If possible, record when your heating system is making noise and what those noises are. That way, you can provide comprehensive information when speaking to an HVAC technician.

Let’s explore some issues that are often the root causes of a heating system making noise.

Blower wheel or motor needs replacing. A loud scraping noise that sounds like metal on metal is likely a sign of a blower wheel within a furnace that needs to be replaced. If you hear a noise like this, turn the furnace off immediately and call a licensed HVAC technician, because this is not a problem that you should try to rectify yourself. A furnace with a broken blower wheel will not work properly and can be dangerous.  If the furnace produces a humming sound, that could also signify problems with the blower motor.

Dirty furnace burners. If you hear a loud popping or banging noise after your furnace, turn off your heating system and immediately call an HVAC technician. When dirt builds up on furnace burners, it can cause a delay in the ignition, which then leads to small explosions in the heat exchanger. This is a dangerous problem and often an expensive repair.

Expanding/contracting air ducts. If your house is older and equipped with radiators, then you most likely have steam heat. Steam heat is generally noisy, so it’s often difficult to discern what’s normal and what is cause for concern. Loud, continuous knocking and banging is relatively normal, but it’s also preventable. It’s often indicative of trapped air bubbles in the pipes or expanding and contracting pipes. An HVAC technician will be able to fix both issues so that your heating system operates more quietly.

Gaps in ductwork or clogged filter. If you have a forced hot air system that produces whistling sounds, it could point to a couple of problems: a clogged filter or holes in the ductwork. You can prevent a clogged filter by changing it regularly – the recommended frequency of changing a filter can range from every 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on whether your family members have allergies, pets, or small children. Our heating service club maintenance plan includes a free annual inspection with a filter check.

Belt needs replacing. If you hear a chirping sound coming from a furnace, it could be as innocuous as the system warming up – especially if it hasn’t been run in a while. But a continuous chirping sound could be indicative of a belt that needs to be replaced, especially if the sound worsens over time. An HVAC technician can handle this repair for you.

BE SAFE, NOT SORRY

Overall, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your heating system is making noise, make an appointment with a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue. HVAC problems are often complicated, and should only be handled by experienced professionals. Additionally, these HVAC issues can quickly become dangerous, and it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your family’s home.

Prep for Summer with a Ductless Mini Split A/C System!

As the summer season sneaks upon us, it’s the right time to start thinking about your air conditioning system. You don’t want to wait until the last minute when it comes to cooling systems – there’s nothing worse than an unexpectedly hot, sticky day in early summer without a way to cool off.

Here’s the good news: today’s HVAC industry has a variety of options to cool your home, so you don’t necessarily have to commit to an extremely expensive purchase like a central air system to enjoy the benefits of a high-end air conditioning system. Ductless mini split systems are a great option if you want to add value to your home and keep it cool. They’re an especially appealing option as a HomeWiz customer, since we’re offering $200 off a new installation for mini split ductless systems.*

While complicated central air conditioning systems require a system of ducts, a ductless unit simply requires mounting capabilities and electricity. A small, sleek unit is installed indoors, while a condenser unit is installed somewhere outside of your home.

Explore the benefits of the mini split ductless system:

• Versatility

Ductless systems can be suspended from the ceiling, hung on a wall, or be free-standing on the floor, so you can find an option that integrates best with your home’s design. Combo models deliver a cooling and heating system in one unit, which provides even more flexibility.

• Convenience

All mini split HVAC systems come with a handy remote that allows you to control the temperature without leaving your couch. Many ductless units come with the ability to integrate into your home automation system for ultimate convenience.

• Energy efficiency, clean air

Energy is often lost as air travels through the ducts of central a/c systems—and this lost energy can account for over 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning. Ductless mini split systems, on the other hand, maximize energy efficiency and adhere to ENERGY STAR guidelines. The multi-stage filtration in ductless systems can drastically reduce dust, bacteria, pollen and allergens in the air.

• Cost savings

Since ductless mini split systems rely on less power than other air conditioning systems, you’re likely to save money on your utility bills. With a mini split system installation, you may be eligible for tax credits or rebates to further maximize your savings.

Our experienced HomeWiz technicians can guide you through the decision making process. Since we’ve installed and repair thousands of mini splits—including those from Mitsubishi, LG, Fugitsu and Diaken—and we know the ins and outs of every system. Call HomeWiz at 1-844-RINGWIZ to speak with a HomeWiz expert today about your home cooling options.

*Cannot be combined with other offers. Only applicable for one job, and must be a mini split ductless air conditioning system. Only applicable on equipment supplied by HomeWiz.