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Preparing for My Dream Home

My husband and I have spent a lot of time consulting with an architect. After living in our cramped, starter home for the past 11 years, we were finally ready to make some needed changes to it. We have added an extra 600 square feet of space onto our house. Before the construction began, we finalized the plans for our new heating and air conditioning unit with our HVAC contractor. Because our home was going to be substantially bigger than it is now, we purchased a larger HVAC system. We also installed a new, digital thermostat inside my home. On this blog, I hope you will discover the best types of HVAC units to buy for mid-size homes. Enjoy!

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Preparing for My Dream Home

Troubleshooting Furnace Noises

by Rita Richardson

Pops and banging noises from your furnace can be very alarming, especially if your furnace previously made few loud noises. Sometimes these noises can indicate that there is an issue that needs attending to. The following guide can help you get to the bottom of the alarming noises.

Squeals and whines

Squealing and whining noises are typically indicative of either a blower or motor issue. These noises may only occur briefly when the furnace first pops on, or they may continue until the furnace turns off. The moving parts in the fan or motor may require lubrication, there could be a belt giving out, or there may simply be dirt and debris that needs to be cleaned out of the blower and motor assembly. A regular HVAC tuneup usually addresses the issue.

Knocking or banging

Knocking or banging noises that are originating from the furnace itself indicate that something is loose inside the furnace. The furnace will experience some vibration as it runs, but most furnaces are equipped with anti-vibration pads that prevent the parts in the unit from banging. If your furnace begins making these noises, first have the pads checked to make sure they are still properly installed. If this isn't the issue, then your service technician will need to make sure that everything within the blower and motor is properly tightened and secured.

Grinding noises

Grinding noises mean that the need for a a major repair, or even a replacement, is approaching. Grinding is usually caused as the motor in the furnace begins to fail. Parts begin to break apart, which causes them to rub and grind. Eventually this will cause the motor to seize. You can have the motor replaced, but do your research because sometimes it is more cost effective to simply replace the entire furnace.

Duct noises

The most common duct noises are pops and bangs. You are most likely going to hear these sounds when you first fire up the furnace, although they can occur at any time. These small pops and bangs aren't a major concern. They are simply caused by the duct walls moving slightly in response to the temperature change as the furnace pushes hot air through them.

Rattling and vibration noises can be more alarming. These noises occur when the duct connections begin to fail. A duct inspection may be necessary so the loose connections can be identified and repaired.

For more help, contact a HVAC contractor in your area.

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