There is a chill in the air and it can turn our minds to supernatural ideas at this time of the year. While we understand the fun of getting into the spooky season, we do want to let you know that some of the sounds in your home that might be freaking you out have completely normal causes.
The fact is that there are problems in your HVAC system that might start creating the sounds that have been sending chills up your spine. So, what sounds indicate trouble in your home comfort system? Be on the alert for any of the following noises—they may mean you need to reach out for heater service in Redding from a trained technician.
These Sounds Mean Your Heater Is in Trouble
If you are using your heater and it has begun to emit any of these sounds, it means it’s time to call a professional technician.
- Rattling: This is created by a loose part in your system, rather than a ghost rattling chains. What you are likely hearing is a loose bolt or screw, or may even be caused by a loose blower door. Make sure to have a technician tune up your system before this sound escalates.
- Clanging: Had a rattling sound you ignore? It happens. And unfortunately, it may turn into a clanging sound. This means that the loose part is now fully free and bouncing around inside your system. At this point, it is best to shut the system off until repairs are made to avoid more extensive damage.
- Hissing: Hissing and the healthy whoosh of air aren’t the same! If your heater sounds like an angry cat, it may mean it has a refrigerant leak or a leak in the ductwork. If you have a gas furnace, hissing could also indicate a cracked heat exchanger. Make sure to have an expert check this sound out ASAP.
- Bubbling: Bubbling can also indicate a refrigerant leak. This sound is created by air entering the refrigerant line through a leak, creating bubbles.
- Screeching: Yikes, this sound may scare you at first but it is normal—though not something to ignore. A screeching heating system is one that needs repairs in the near future. The noise is created when metal scraps against metal such as with dry blower motor belts or bearings.
- Booming: Have a gas furnace? Then you’ll want to have this noise checked out as soon as you can. The boom may be created by gas building up in your system and then igniting after a delay. This creates a lot of strain on your heater and can lead to more damage down the road.
- Silence: That silence is eerier … especially because your heater is supposed to have turned on by now. Double-check that the thermostat is set properly and turned on. If this doesn’t explain the lack of operation, then you probably have a system that needs repairs or replacement on your hands.
If your heater doesn’t sound quite right lately, we advise getting an expert to check things out and provide a prompt, effective solution.
Giving You the Comfort of Your Home: Contact the experts at Redding Heating & Air to schedule the heater maintenance, repair, or another service that you need.