Why Is My Heater Making Strange Noises? - Mercury Heating and Air

In a perfect world, our appliances would always work as expected. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. If you hear loud noises from your heating system, consider calling a professional for heating maintenance in Concord, CA. 

Learning about abnormal sounds you might hear from your heating system will help you understand when to call in the pros. 

Loud Banging

A loud banging noise when the furnace ignites could indicate a problem with the ignition. The thermostat signals it's time to begin a cycle, and the gas valve opens. When it's working correctly, the pilot light should ignite the gas immediately. 

However, when there's a problem with the ignition system, gas can build up in the combustion chamber. When the heater turns on, the built-up gas creates a loud bang. You may hear this sound throughout the house because it can travel through the air ducts. 

Whistling 

When your heating system whistles, it's often caused by an air filter blockage. Cleaning or replacing the filter could stop the sound, but other possible causes exist: 

• Blocked return vent 
• Objects trapped in the ductwork 
• Closed vents or damper 

This sound can be eliminated by cleaning the ducts, changing the filter, or opening vents and dampers. However, this sound is often something that can only be resolved by an experienced technician. With routine heating maintenance in Concord, CA, issues that cause this sound can be prevented. 

Screeching and Scraping 

Screeching or scraping sounds that mimic two pieces of metal being dragged across each other may be precisely that. If the blower fan becomes loose, the blades may drag across the casing of the heating system. A scraping noise may indicate that other parts of your heating system have become loose.   

When you hear this noise, it's best to shut down your heating system and call a technician. 

Experienced Heating Maintenance in Concord, CA 

Hearing strange sounds coming from your heating system is never a good thing. Contact Mercury Heating and Air to schedule an inspection and determine the problem. You can follow up with routine maintenance to prevent future issues with your heating system.