Is Your Heating System Showing Signs of Needing a Repair? Here’s What to Look and Listen For

The sounds coming from your Lorton, Virginia, heating system can tell you when the unit has health issues. With new systems, you should hear a soft humming in the background. As heaters age, they may start to make a bit more noise, but if they make dramatic or uncharacteristic noises out of nowhere, it’s usually an indication that a repair is needed. Here are three noises you shouldn’t be hearing:

1. Clicking

Rapid, ongoing clicking at startup or shutdown usually means an electrical issue. It could be a defective relay or a problem with the controls or the thermostat. Worn bearings can cause clicking, and if the bearings go, you’ll need a new motor. Random clicking can mean gas issues or that the pilot light or wiring isn’t functioning properly. If you have an older, oil-burning furnace, clicking can mean a loose fan or dirt buildup on the fan blades.

2. Banging or Rattling

Noisy banging means that a part is loose or damaged. Loose parts like screws or bolts knocking around inside your heating system can cause extensive damage to other components. The blower, fan or motor mounts could be out of alignment or the blower assembly might be loose.

3. Whining, Screeching or Squealing

Shrill screeching or squealing during operation are usually caused by the blower system, blower motors or belts that have slipped their settings or are worn out. The blower wheel and housing will squeal if it’s malfunctioning or if there are motor bearing issues.

If your heating system is making distressing noises, turn it off and call an experienced HVAC service technician. Commonwealth Cooling & Heating, LLC, is always here for heating repair emergencies. Call us at (703) 436-8028 to schedule emergency heat pump or furnace service in Lorton, Virginia.