Most home appliances are not completely silent when they are operating. Your furnace is no exception to this rule, but the sounds coming from your furnace should never be loud or obnoxious. If you hear unusual sounds like whistling, then something is probably wrong with your furnace.
If the whistling is intermittent or not very loud, you may be tempted to ignore it. But letting a problem persist can lead to more damage inside your heater. If you have a furnace whistling in St.Augustine, our team can help. In the meantime, you can read more to learn what that whistling means for your furnace.
Poor Airflow
One of the most common reasons for furnace whistling is a lack of airflow. This can happen for several reasons. If your air filter is particularly dirty, it may be blocking airflow coming into your system. This can put a strain on your blower motor that leads to whistling.
It’s also possible to have airflow blockages where the air is blowing into your home. If you close air vents in different rooms of your house, you’re obstructing the airflow that is exiting your furnace. You may be tempted to close the vents to channel heat to other rooms more, but you should leave all of the vents in your home open to prevent additional strain on your furnace. The system is designed as a complete unit with a unique layout for your home and needs. Closing vents doesn’t actually help to channel heat to other rooms. Instead, it leads to that heat becoming trapped.
If you change your air filter and open your vents and still hear whistling coming from your furnace, you need to give us a call. The problem may be deeper inside your system where it isn’t easily identified. Whistling needs to be addressed immediately especially if you can’t pinpoint a cause before the problem spreads.
Gas or Refrigerant Leaks
If you have a gas furnace, a whistling sound can indicate that you have a leak in your gas line. The pressure from the gas leaving a small hole in the line can create a whistling sound. The same thing goes for any furnace that has refrigerant, which can affect both gas and electric furnaces. If the refrigerant line leaks, it can lead to a high-pitched, whistling sound as the refrigerant leaks out.
You may only hear the sound intermittently, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. Both gas and refrigerant leaks are dangerous for your home and family. They can pose fire hazards and the fumes are harmful for your family to breathe in. It’s important to remember that gas doesn’t always have a smell, so you may not realize that you’re breathing in toxic fumes. If you suspect that you have a gas or refrigerant leak, turn off your system and give us a call right away.
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