As Maryland's winter worsens, it’s important to learn about various potential heating problems in your home. From frozen pipes to strange furnace noises, Warner Service details what to listen and look for this chilly season.
Ductwork
A quiet rush of air is normal, but if you hear a hiss, the coolant is leaking and the ducts aren't sealed correctly. This problem requires immediate attention from an HVAC technician. Contact Warner Service.
Heat Pump
If you hear trumpeting or hissing from the compressor motor when shutting down the heat pump, it's a leaky internal refrigerant valve. Check with an HVAC technician to schedule an appointment for repair.
Furnace
If you're looking at the furnace, check the air filter — a dirty one can cause heating problems. Change the furnace air filter monthly.
If you're listening, this appliance can make many unsettling noises due to all its components and parts. Each troubling sound means a different heating problem. Here’s Warner Service’s breakdown:
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Squealing or screeching means that the belt and/or motor bearing is caught. This heating problem is solved by adding the correct amount of lubricating oil or an inexpensive repair from a professional.
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Rattling sounds are the worst for HVAC systems. This means that a piece of hardware in the motor system is coming loose or the motor is failing. Call a professional before any disconnection and/or further damage occurs.
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Banging noises indicate that you need to shut off the appliance. A large component needs to be inspected by an HVAC expert and replaced immediately.
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"Thwapping” is indicative of something stuck in the fan blades. This HVAC problem isn't dangerous, but it could hinder the longevity of the system’s motor. To solve this HVAC problem, shut off the blower and remove the roadblock.
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Clicking is heard when you turn the system on and off. Yet, if it’s coming from the control panel or outside compressor, reset the system.
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A vibrating noise that sounds like an out-of-balance washing machine indicates that the motor is off balance. This isn’t devastating to the furnace (or your wallet), but don't ignore it. Call an HVAC technician as soon as possible.
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If you hear an unusual rumbling associated with combustion from a gas or oil-fired system, call for service immediately.
Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit
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This appliance comes with a safety grate to prevent damage. A sudden loud rattle could mean debris got stuck in the compressor fan. Turn off the unit and remove the visible obstruction. After removal, check for any damage to the condenser coils, compressor, and fan. If anything is bent, call a professional for repairs.
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A buzzing sound means that the unit is wearing down from time and needs a replacement.
Other Heating Components
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A blank thermostat screen. This could be a blown fuse or tripped wire in the circuit breaker.
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Frozen pipes can cost you a lot. To avoid them, check out How to Prevent, Find, and Thaw Out Frozen Pipes.
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A leaking water heater is bad news. The most common cause is a cracked tank or a leaking temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve. (The TPR valve controls the pressure inside the tank.) Call a professional immediately.
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A yellow pilot light. The pilot light should be blue, so a yellow pilot light indicates a huge heating problem. Contact a heating professional to clean the air intake valve on the furnace or gas heater.
Heating problems can happen almost anywhere in your home, from the basement to outside. To prepare for these heating problems, make sure you know what to expect.
For more information on how to maintain the HVAC system and save on energy bills, download our Energy Bill Checklist. Click on the button below to get started: