Signs of Heating Problems
All heaters make a humming sound when they run and sometimes a popping sound upon starting. If the humming becomes louder or the popping occurs more often, then your heater needs repair. Other sounds to watch for are banging, rattling, squealing, scraping, and whistling. Banging may indicate broken parts, debris, or gas pressure problems. Rattling could also be debris or loose parts.
Your heating system likely has a problem if it exhibits these signs:
- Makes strange noises
- Consumes a lot of energy
- Turns off too quickly
- Leaves puddles of water
- Circulates bad odors nonstop
You may have a damaged motor or belt when the heater squeals while running. This sound can also indicate that the internal components need lubrication.
When a heater makes a scraping sound, it may have a loose blower wheel or worn ball bearings. If metal is scraping against something, then more damage to the system may occur. We recommend that you turn off the heater and wait for a repair.
Restricted airflow sometimes causes a whistling sound. Other problems that can result from restricted airflow are high energy consumption, leaks, and poor indoor comfort.
Puddles around the furnace often indicate that there’s a clog somewhere in the system. Areas where blockages can form include the vent pipe, air return, PVC drain line, drain line, and pipe. A clogged furnace and air filters may also cause condensation issues. You should still promptly fix the heater to prevent high energy bills and additional damage to the system.
At the start of the cold season, it’s normal for your heater to cause a burning smell. Dust that has built up over summer burns, causing the smell. However, this shouldn’t go on for more than a day. Burning smells that persist are signs that your heater needs repair.
Our team listens to your feedback about how your heater is malfunctioning, and then runs a thorough diagnostic process. Sometimes, we find that numerous areas are in need of repair. After gaining a full picture of what’s going on with your heater, we let you know our findings. We also inform you of your options in fixing the problem. Our inspections are at no obligation. We only carry out repairs when you give the green light. Here at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric, we keep our trucks fully stocked and stick to appointment times. We want to fix your heater as quickly as possible.