Have you caught a whiff of something unpleasant when your furnace turns on? Is your furnace making loud noises? Not all noises or smells mean there’s something wrong with your furnace. Keep reading to learn what’s normal and when to call for furnace repair in Canton, OH.
Why Your Furnace Smells
Does your furnace smell like it’s burning when you turn it on for the first time at the start of the heating season? An odor like this is alarming, but it’s perfectly normal. The burning odor you smell is the dust burning off and should only last for one or two heating cycles.
If the odor continues or you smell something resembling burnt wiring, turn off the furnace immediately. Continuing to do so could result in dangerous carbon monoxide leaks in your home. Common problems that cause this smell include a cracked heat exchanger or an overheated motor. Call for furnace repairs right away.
Furnace Sounds That Need Your Attention
Like furnace odors, not all furnace noises mean there’s a problem. Furnaces make noises when they turn on and off as part of normal operation. These sounds include:
- Booms and pings: The furnace makes these noises upon startup when ductwork expands and contracts.
- Rattling: A noise the furnace makes when it’s cooling down after a heat cycle.
- Chirping: A common sound when the furnace is on.
What’s not normal, and needs attention immediately, include the following sounds:
- Clunking: If you hear this sound, your furnace has a cracked belt.
- Screeching: Problems associated with this sound include fan belt and motor issues.
Never ignore whining and vibrating noises either. Have an HVAC service technician come out to your home to inspect the furnace and make appropriate repairs. It never hurts to err on the side of caution if you think something’s wrong with your furnace. For professional furnace repairs, call Quality Heating & Cooling today.
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