Any heating repair professional will be the first one to tell you that oftentimes, if serious furnace repairs are needed, it will cost you less money to have it replaced entirely.
Seems simple enough, right?
However, most homeowners who have never dealt with a heating issue may not know any signs—or in the case of this blog—sounds to listen for if only repairs are needed. Not sure what to listen for when there is a problem with your furnace? Here are four sounds that you might hear that could indicate you only need repairs done:
Rumble
If you hear a low rumbling sound, it could be coming from the burners. If your burners are dirty or have experienced significant damage over the years, you may notice a slight rumbling and/or, bumbling sound when starting up the heater. Also, if the pilot light was not properly installed or replaced, a rumbling sound could occur. Although not critical signs of a total replacement, not addressing those rumbling sounds could lead to more problems down the road.
Rattle
No, it’s not a rattlesnake hiding in your furnace! If you hear this sound, it is probably due to loose screws rolling around when the heater turns on. If you don’t address loose objects, they could cause damage to the system since they are such a vital part.
Grind
Grinding can be caused by the fan rubbing up against other components within the furnace. When the motor becomes overloaded, grinding may also occur. Keep in mind that, if your motor is being overloaded, it could cause the heating system to use more energy than it should, which, in return, could cost you more money to keep it running.
Click
A clicking sound can occur if you have a leaky gas valve. If this is the case, you should turn off the gas to your property and have your system checked by a heating repair specialist immediately. In fact, since a leaky gas valve is such a safety hazard, it would be wise to call someone as soon as you hear a clicking sound.
If you are reading this blog and you notice your furnace making any of these sounds, give us a call. We will be more than happy to have one of our technicians come out to your home, diagnose the problem, and find the best solution for you. Plus, they will be honest with you about whether or not your whole system should be replaced!