Maintaining a comfortable and cozy home throughout the holiday season is important. Several issues can lead to abnormal odors and sounds coming from your furnace. Being able to spot and address these issues prioritizes indoor air quality and protects your HVAC system.
Change Your Filter Regularly
The filter in your furnace will require replacement every 30 to 90 days. The exact time frame will vary according to manufacturer instructions, indoor air quality needs, and the quality of the air in your home. If you have a dirty filter in your HVAC system, this can result in stale or musty-smelling indoor air. It can also impact airflow through your system, resulting in loud noises.
Some homeowners use a washable filter in their furnace. Make sure to periodically clean this filter thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely before putting it back into your furnace.
Keep in mind, you may notice a slight dusty or burning smell when your furnace turns on at the beginning of the cold weather season. Dust buildup will need to burn off the heat exchangers. The smell should go away quickly.
Schedule an Annual Inspection
You should schedule a furnace inspection once per year. Ideally, before the start of winter and the holiday season. This is an opportunity for a professional to spot issues early before they cause odors, noises, or equipment failure. Cleaning interior components and lubricating moving parts can reduce equipment malfunctions.
Clear Vents and Registers
All vents and registers in your home should be open and free of obstructions. If anything impedes airflow through your HVAC system, this can result in abnormal noises. The noises can come from your ductwork as metal expands and contracts. The sounds may be coming from the inside of your furnace.
Blocking airflow can also strain your furnace, resulting in higher energy bills and frequent repair needs. You may also experience the need for premature replacement if adequate airflow is a persistent issue.
Balancing the Blower Motor
If you hear loud banging or clanging coming from your furnace, a professional should inspect the blower motor. It may be off balance, creating an excessive number of vibrations. You may hear rattling or humming noises if this is an issue.
Inspecting Gas Connections
If you have a gas furnace, ensure these components are part of routine inspections and maintenance. If you’re noticing a rotten egg or sulfur-like smell, there may be a gas leak in your home. Evacuate the residence immediately and call for emergency assistance.
Don’t let foul odors and loud sounds interrupt your holiday gatherings. Contact our team at Blaze Air at one of our three locations in North Carolina for professional furnace repair.