2 Noises Coming From Your Home's Gas Furnace You Should Not Ignore
If you have a gas furnace in your house, you are likely used to the gentle noises that it typically makes. Since this is the case, you may even forget about it being on until your home starts to feel warmer.
While these subtle noises are often normal, there are some sounds that could indicate a problem with the furnace. Below are a couple of concerning noises that should help you know when to have the system inspected and repaired by a professional.
1. Rumbling Sound Heard When the Furnace First Kicks On
One noise that should alert you to a potential problem with your home's gas furnace is a rumbling sound that is heard when the furnace first kicks on. This noise may start out low, but it will gradually become louder over time. If you are hearing the rumbling, this sound is usually indicative of a blockage somewhere within the gas line. The clog could be located within the thermocouple, or it could be caused by a dirty burner.
Wherever the blockage is located, it is interfering with the steady, even flow of gas through the lines. As the gas attempts to push through the blockage, it will create the rumbling sound that you hear. Eventually, if the blockage becomes worse, you may hear a boom following the rumbling. If this happens, the gas is under extreme pressure while trying to fight its way through.
If left unrepaired, the furnace could suffer serious damage. Before the booming noise starts, have the system checked out by a professional.
2. Rattling Noises That Come from the Inside of the Furnace
Another sound that you may hear is a rattling noise coming from inside of the furnace. While this sound could be a loose fan belt or blade, it also could be due to a damaged heat exchanger. If the heat exchanger is cracked, the pressurized gas running through it as it mixes with air will make the casing rattle. However, the sound you are hearing is the least concerning part of damage.
Pointedly, if the heat exchanger is damaged, it could be leaking carbon monoxide into your home's air. As soon as you hear the internal rattling coming from the furnace, you need to have it checked out.
If you hear either of these noises coming from your gas furnace, it could indicate a serious issue with the system that needs to be addressed as soon as possible by a professional. Contact an HVAC contractor near you who offers gas furnace repair services to have them fully investigate the odd sounds so that they can pinpoint and fix the issue causing them.
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