With winter close by, it’s time to turn on your heating system and warm up your home. As your furnace starts up after not being used for a while, you may hear some disconcerting noises. It’s important to recognize what these mean—some may not be a big deal, while others can mean you have serious HVAC problems. Below, you’ll find a complete guide so you can schedule an inspection with an HVAC repair professional as needed.

Furnace Noises & What They Mean

1. Whining

As your furnace begins blowing warm air, you may hear a slight whining or whistling sound. In most cases, it means air is escaping from your HVAC ductwork, in which case you need to find the hole. They’re often where different sheets connect. If the whistles are harsher—more like a shriek—and coming from near your furnace, you may have problems with your airflow system. For an accurate diagnosis, schedule an HVAC inspection.

2. Rumbling

If you hear a rumbling sound coming from your furnace, it can mean there are loose parts clanking around inside. Others may have simply loosened, or it could mean there is debris that needs to be cleaned off of parts. More serious issues may be related to a motor breakdown. If it’s a one-off occurrence, it may just be your system warming up; repeat incidents warrant an inspection to ensure there aren’t any significant problems.

3. Banging

Unsettling bangs may seem like serious problems, but in many instances, it’s just your ductwork expanding and contracting from the heat. While not a concern, it’s a good idea to schedule a cleaning and inspection to ensure there aren’t any breaks or debris buildups. If the banging comes directly from your furnace, it may be related to burner or ignition problems. These can lead to extensive damage, so don’t wait to schedule an HVAC inspection.

The HVAC team at Air Rescue is committed to their clients’ comfort and offer a wide scope of services. Located in Warrenton, MO, their fully licensed, bonded, and insured staff offer 24-hour emergency services for HVAC repairs, furnace repair, and more—all of which you can explore on their website. Call (636) 764-0700 today to schedule an inspection.