Though they may be forgotten in the warmer months, during winter the furnace takes center stage in a home — especially if you live in an area hit hard by the cold, like Hartland or Waukesha, WI.

Scheduling a furnace inspection before winter is always a good idea, as a little maintenance can help your furnace do its job of heating your home and prevent house fires. If you avoided getting your furnace inspected, it may let you know that it needs inspection and repair. How? If you’ve heard your furnace making noise, it might mean it’s time for some maintenance.

Of course, repair isn’t needed every time you hear your furnace making noise. Here the first of our All Star tips for interpreting what each furnace noise means.

Why is My Furnace Making Noise?

Screeching

When you hear your furnace making noise like screeching, it might indicate an issue with its motor. There could be a loose bearing, for example. Schedule an inspection with your trusted HVAC expert today – All-Star Heating, Cooling and Plumbing if you are in Hartland or Waukesha, WI!

Metal “Chirping”

Can you hear your furnace making noise when the heat kicks on? Metal “chirping” sounds are normal sounds your furnace motor or the fan’s blower wheel make as they start up. If the sound bothers you, you can wiggle the wheel slightly to put it back into alignment.

If you hear your furnace making noise like a chirp, you should also inspect the mounting plate to make sure it’s not warped. If it is, it might be rubbing the blower wheel to create the sound. Checking that the motor mounts aren’t loose and their bearings are in shape is also a good idea.

Noisy Rattles

Sometimes, you might hear your furnace making noise as it shuts off — often a noisy rattling sound. This is most likely just the metal components of your furnace popping as they cool down. But in some cases, your furnace making noise like this could indicate a bigger problem. If it is particularly noisy or you suddenly start hearing the rattling sound, call a furnace expert for inspection and repair.

Loud Clanging

When you hear loud clanging from the furnace, you might actually be confusing the furnace making noise with sounds coming from the pipes. Since pipes contract as they cool down after your furnace shuts off, they can produce some clangs that might alarm you, but shouldn’t be cause for concern.

Furnace Making Noise in Hartland or Waukesha, WI?

Depending on the age of your furnace or the date of your last inspection, you may have heard your furnace making noise this winter. If you need reliable HVAC professionals to inspect or repair your furnace in Hartland or Waukesha, WI, call All Star Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today at (262) 361-3900.

Stay tuned for part 2 of our series to help you know what it means when you hear your furnace making noise!