As you start to rely on your furnace more and more to stay comfortable this winter, be aware of any problems that may develop with the system. The more demand you put on the furnace, the more likely it will be to develop problems. The faster you can identify any issues with the furnace, the faster you can get it repaired and the better off it will be. One of the best ways to identify problems early is to listen for any noises coming from the furnace.
Grinding
A grinding noise is a sign that your furnace air handler is malfunctioning. The air handler is the part of the furnace designed to circulate air throughout the home during operation. This puts a lot of strain on the system, so in order to help it run more smoothly the air handler motor uses a number of oiled bearings. As the bearings wear down over time, the friction on the system increases and creates a grinding sound. If you hear this sound, call for repairs as soon as possible. The bearings will need to be replaced, before the system overheats and burns out.
Booming
If your furnace is making a booming sound when it turns on, it probably means that it is having an issue with the burner assembly. The burner assembly is the part of the furnace that ignites natural gas in order to generate heat. While the assembly is burning gas, carbon particles build up on the jets. Over time, the jets will become clogged to the point where they can no longer fire on time. When the clogged jets do fire, they burn through the excess gas at once and create a booming sound. If you hear this, your burner assembly probably needs to be professionally cleaned.
Total Comfort Inc. offers furnace repair services throughout Riverside, CA.