Furnace Sounds And Smells

Is your furnace trying to tell you something? Whether you own your home or rent, knowing the warning signs of a furnace in distress is important to ensure your comfort in the cold. If your furnace is making a humming noise and smells like burning, for example, it’s probably time to seek professional help for it. Read on to learn more about what the sounds and smells your heating system makes could mean.

Listening for Trouble

If your furnace is making unusual sounds, they could be a sign of trouble. Screeching typically indicates a problem with the motor or fan belt. If your furnace is clunking, the belt might be cracked and needs replacing ASAP. Vibrating or buzzing sounds could be one of any number of issues that should be checked out by a licensed pro. If your furnace is humming louder than usual, you might need to have the motor inspected. However, if you’re concerned about your furnace, chirping sounds usually aren’t a cause for alarm. If your furnace is chirping, it’s probably just the sound of normal operation.

Sniffing Out the Problem

Strange odors are another sign of potential issues with your heating system. The most worrisome of these is the smell of smoke, which could indicate an overheated motor or cracked heat exchanger. If your furnace is making a loud noise and smells like burning, call for help right away. A cracked heat exchanger could lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Musty smells coming from your register might mean you have mold in your ducts.

If your furnace acts strangely, your best bet is to hire professionals. Gene May Heating & Cooling can schedule an appointment quickly for you to inspect or repair your equipment. Contact us today.

Washable Fabric Filters

Washable filters can be reused and can be made of natural hog’s hair as well as synthetic fibers. One of the best reasons to buy rinseable or hog air filters vs. pleated or fiberglass is that they can be rinsed out and used again. However, many have noted that washable filters can develop bacterial and mold growth if they’re not properly maintained.

HEPA Filters

These represent the strongest level of filtration on the market, capable of capturing even extremely small particulates. This makes them ideal for households with people who suffer from asthma or extreme allergies. On the other hand, their thickness means they are not suited for HVAC systems that aren’t configured specifically for them. Make sure your equipment is rated for HEPA filters before committing to them.

Trust Gene May Heating & Cooling to Treat Your System Right

If you’re still not sure which furnace filters make the most sense for you, reach out to the experts at Gene May Heating & Cooling. We’re your complete resource for furnace repair, maintenance and installation. That means we can help you find the filters and other equipment that will work best to keep you and your family comfortable. With our help, you can prevent breakdowns and inefficiencies with regular maintenance. To learn more about everything we can do for you or to schedule your first appointment, contact us today.