The arrival of cold, frigid winds, snow, and ice means your furnace will be in full use throughout the winter. You want to ensure your heating system is in top shape to keep the home toasty warm. Furnace repair technicians say one way to tell if your unit is experiencing problems is by listening. Here are several sounds to pay attention to and what they may mean.

Strange Furnace Noises & What They Indicate

1. Loud Grinding

Furnaces contain bearings that are located inside the unit’s air handler motor. The bearings are supposed to stay lubricated to minimize friction and allow the air handler to continue distributing air. With time and age, the bearings may start to wear down. The result are loud grinding noises coming from the furnace. If the bearings are not replaced, the air handler might become permanently damaged.

2. Rattling

Imagine the sound a rattlesnake makes. If you hear something similar coming from your furnace when you turn it on, there could be a problem with the heat exchanger. These sets of coils actually produce the heated air that warms a home. The rattling sound may mean there’s a crack or hole present, which can trigger a carbon monoxide leak. Leave the premises immediately and contact a furnace repair technician to inspect the heat exchanger.

3. Buzzing

Loose screws, hoses, and other components can cause buzzing sounds from your furnace’s transformer. The transformer regulates the voltage needed to power a furnace’s ignition circuits and heat controls. The solution may be a thorough cleaning and furnace repairs, such as the tightening of loose components.

These are just some of the strange furnace sounds to be aware of. If you’re still unsure, Adco Heating & Air Conditioning in Cincinnati, OH, is the area’s trusted firm to call on for 24/7 emergency service. What makes the locally owned company unique is its team of experienced technicians, punctuality and superior customer service. You can count on them for expert furnace repairs on a wide range of makes and models. If you’re having problems with your unit, call (513) 471-3390. Visit their website for information on the full suite of services, including furnace sales, installations and maintenance.