When it comes to heating and cooling options for your Maryland home, ductless mini splits offer versatile zoned comfort for most any household. How do these systems work? Our knowledgeable HVAC technicians explain these systems and why so many homeowners choose them.
A ductless mini split is a type of heating and cooling system composed of a heat pump or air conditioner and individual air handling units. Systems with air conditioners offer cooling only, while heat pump systems offer both heating and cooling.
Ductless HVAC systems work differently from the conventional furnaces and air handlers most of us are used to. Unlike these systems, which are forced air systems, ductless mini splits do not use ductwork, which is apparent by their name?
Instead, each area of the home you want to heat or cool is outfitted with its own air handler. The air handling unit is unobtrusive and installed on the wall or within the ceiling. Each air handler is connected to the heat pump or air conditioner installed outside through piping called a line set, which runs through a small hole in the exterior wall of each area. The air handler blows heated or cooled air directly into that living space as needed.
Annapolis ductless installation works differently from conventional HVAC systems in more ways than just their lack of ductwork. The way these systems are set up, they deliver zoned heating and cooling, whereas a conventional system that does not have an additional zoning system installed cannot do so.
What we mean by zoned heating and cooling is that each “zone” of the home receives heating and cooling based on its unique needs. An air handler serves each zone, and temperatures are controlled for that air handler alone.
In a conventional system, the heating and cooling output goes across the entire home to keep every area at the same temperature. However, that’s rarely the case because different areas have different needs. Some need more heating and cooling while others need less – but you don’t get that because every area is treated the same.
Ductless mini splits allow each zone of the home to operate without affecting other areas. If an area is unoccupied, dial back heating and cooling use to save energy without impacting areas that are occupied. If one family member likes to sleep in a warm room while another likes it a bit chilly, each person is able to achieve their ideal comfort levels without making the other too hot or too cold.
In addition to comfort advantages, these systems offer so many other desirable benefits for homeowners across the state. More reasons to go ductless include:
When you explore a mini split system, we think you’ll see what a great benefit they bring to your home. Whether you want to replace your old HVAC system or want to add supplemental heating and cooling, see if a ductless mini split is right for you! Call us today to learn more.
If your heat pump fan keeps running, don’t be alarmed! Often, a simple setting error is to blame and is easy to resolve. However, other causes require the help of a professional. The technicians of Grove Heating and Cooling share what to do if your heat pump fan runs constantly and when you need to call us for service.
When a heat pump fan runs continuously, these are the most common causes of the issue:
A common reason a blower fan keeps running is it’s simply set to the wrong mode. There is a setting or toggle on your thermostat that controls how the fan operates – the AUTO setting allows the fan to only run when your heat pump cycles, while the ON setting keeps the fan in operation all the time.
If the blower fan runs even when your heat pump does not produce heat, the first step for troubleshooting this issue is to have a look at those settings.
Check the thermostat and verify AUTO is selected for the fan’s mode. Switch back to AUTO if you find the ON setting selected. If changing back to AUTO does not stop the fan and no heating cycle is running, there may be an issue with your thermostat requiring repair. Thermostat wiring malfunctions disrupt how the unit communicates with your heating equipment.
Within your air handler, the blower motor is controlled by a relay. Malfunctions with this relay are known to make a fan run continuously. If your heat pump fan runs continuously, a bad relay switch is a possible cause.
If the blower relay switch has become damaged or otherwise malfunctions, it is no longer able to transmit your thermostat settings to the fan, and you’ll need to replace this faulty component.
During periods of extreme cold, like we often experience here in Maryland, your heat pump struggles to deliver warmth, which makes it run continuously.
Heat pumps do not operate efficiently once outdoor temperatures reach around freezing. For this reason, many homes elect to install a backup heating system that takes over for better efficiency under these conditions.
If your system does not correctly switch between heat pump and backup heating, it appears that the heat pump fan keeps running because the system runs longer to keep up. You don’t want to rely on manually switching between heat pump and backup heat at your thermostat, as this leads to accidentally leaving backup heat on which is much more expensive in milder temperatures. Schedule a heat pump repair to fix the issue and ensure your system properly switches back and forth.
If your heat pump fan runs continuously, and the issue is not solved with the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, contact us to schedule your heat pump service. Our skilled HVAC technicians inspect your heat pump system to find the source of the issue and make repairs that put a stop to your constantly running heat pump fan.
All heating systems need professional maintenance each year to help them perform at their best throughout the cold Maryland winter. At Grove Heating & Cooling, our heating tune up checklist includes the comprehensive service your system needs to boost efficiency, reduce the likelihood of malfunctions and keep your home cozy all season long.
Furnaces and boilers require professional maintenance once per year; heat pumps need them twice per year, as they provide both heating and cooling. Professional service is recommended by HVAC equipment manufacturers to uphold the efficiency and performance of the system. Regular tune ups are often a condition of manufacturer’s warranty coverage, too. If you skip routine maintenance, you may forfeit this important coverage that saves you money should a system malfunction occur.
A tune up includes all the important service, tests and checks to keep your furnace, boiler, or heat pump running at peak levels throughout winter. The steps of our tune up checklist vary based on the needs of each heating system type.
Maintenance for furnaces includes:
Maintenance for boiler systems includes:
Maintenance for heat pump heating systems includes:
Ensure your heating system receives the professional care it needs each year with a maintenance membership from Grove Heating & Cooling. Our memberships cover your yearly service. Additionally, you receive savings on diagnostics and repairs should a system breakdown occur, plus credit for new system purchases when it’s time to upgrade to a new heating unit!
It’s never too late to schedule a heating tune up for your furnace, boiler or heat pump! This professional service is needed yearly by an HVAC technician (twice for heat pumps) to keep your HVAC equipment in good shape and ensure efficient heating. Call us today and schedule your appointment to have our skilled HVAC technicians perform the steps of our heating tune up checklist.
All heating and cooling equipment needs regular tune ups each year, for many important reasons. Heat pump tune ups boost the performance and energy efficiency of the system and counteract wear and tear that cause breakdowns and comfort issues inside the home.
Maryland homes equipped with heat pumps use this equipment to provide both heating AND cooling throughout the year. As they run double of what a furnace or air conditioner costs, heat pump tune ups are especially important. Do heat pumps need servicing every year? The answer is yes – and then some!
For furnaces, boilers and air conditioners that run during heating and cooling season, tune ups are recommended annually. If you properly maintain your HVAC equipment, you see your heating and cooling technician twice each year, but each system receives only one tune up in a year’s time.
Heat pump maintenance needs to be performed more frequently because this unit does two jobs throughout the year – it heats your home in the winter and cools it in the summer. A heat pump needs a tune up twice annually to maintain proper performance and energy efficiency.
Ideally, your heat pump maintenance is performed by your technician in the spring and in the fall. When you schedule maintenance service at these times, your technician is often able to perform the tune up before it is time to use the system for the coming heating or cooling season. This ensures the heat pump is cared for and able to operate at peak performance and efficiency once temperatures change and you need its help to stay comfortable indoors.
During maintenance, your technician also assesses the system and identifies problems that hinder operation, so these issues are able to be repaired right away. Problems are fixed so the system runs as expected when it’s time to use it, and you aren’t left without heating or cooling when you need it.
Heat pump tune ups are often overlooked by Maryland homeowners, as the HVAC system is often out of sight and out of mind until it’s time to use it.
Grove Heating & Cooling’s maintenance membership plans help our customers stay on top of their heat pump’s maintenance needs, season after season! With a maintenance membership, your two yearly heat pump tune ups are covered. Our trained technicians visit in the spring and fall to service your system and provide the care it needs to comfortably carry your household through the coming season.
Maintenance membership comes with many other valuable benefits. We send service reminders so you know when maintenance is needed and offer priority scheduling so your tune ups are completed when it’s most convenient for you! Depending on your level of membership, you’ll receive additional discounts for diagnostics and repairs if you experience a system malfunction, as well as purchase credit that accumulates each year to help when it’s time to replace your equipment.
Heat pump tune ups are a necessary part of home maintenance. Ensure your heat pump receives the professional care it needs to run safely and efficiently – season after season – when you schedule maintenance service with Grove Heating & Cooling. Contact us today to schedule your heat pump tune up!
If you have a Mitsubishi mini split system air conditioner in your home, you’ll need to hire a reputable HVAC company for regular maintenance to ensure it continues running properly throughout the year. Over time, any appliance collects dust, dirt, mold and grime. Long-term exposure to these pesky particles can affect the performance of your Mitsubishi split system. System components can also wear down over time and need to be inspected.
To help this air conditioner perform better and last longer, hire Grove Heating & Cooling for mini split maintenance. Although you may be tempted to clean and tune up your Mitsubishi mini split system on your own, these are complex systems, and it’s best to leave system maintenance to a trusted HVAC technician.
The NATE-certified technicians at Grove Heating & Cooling will inspect your entire ductless system from top to bottom. Our mini split tune up checklist includes:
We deep clean all of the coils to remove any debris to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Coil cleaning is essential for optimal efficiency.
Poor electrical wiring can lead to ice forming on the outdoor coil during the winter months and on the indoor coil during the spring and summer. We check all wires and electrical components for signs of wear.
We inspect the refrigerant lines for signs of leakage.
A dirty or blocked air filter inhibits airflow from the indoor and outdoor heat-exchange coils. During our tune up, we remove and clean the air filter inside the indoor air-handling unit. We also inspect the outdoor cabinet for any airflow obstructions.
To prevent damage and water leaks, we flush the drain lines to prevent mold and algae.
Many of the components in a ductless mini split system are complicated and should only be checked by a qualified HVAC technician. We inspect and test the following components: electronic expansion valves (EEV), sensors and digital inverter-driven compressors. All of these play a role in preparing, regulating and monitoring super-heating of the refrigerant.
Cleaning, maintenance and repairs should only be performed by an HVAC technician. However, there are a few simple DIY tips homeowners can perform to help ensure their system runs efficient.
A dirty or blocked air filter prevents proper heat exchange, which can significantly increase your energy bills. We recommend changing the air filter once per month. You can also inspect the outdoor unit periodically to clear away any obstructions, including leaves, twigs, snow or ice.
If you’re experiencing issues with your ductless mini split system, call Grove Heating & Cooling for reliable service. We’ll inspect the system and get to the root of the problem and make a repair. Some of the common reasons ductless systems need service include:
Unusually high electric bills can signal that something is awry with the system. Mini split systems are built to last about 15 years, so higher energy bills could indicate the system is losing efficiency and may need replaced. Other issues related to high energy bills are clogged air filters or failing parts.
A grinding noise coming from the indoor unit could mean the oil bearings have worn down. This needs to be inspected to prevent the air handler motor from overheating.
Ice on the outdoor cooling coils can reduce airflow. A broken fan, refrigerant leak or clogged air filter could be the culprit.
A decrease in the system’s cooling power over time could mean there’s a refrigerant leak.
Regular maintenance increases performance. Prioritizing regular maintenance will extend the life of your unit, saving you money on repairs and premature replacements.
When you hire Grove Heating & Cooling for Mitsubishi mini split system maintenance, we ensure the system is running at top efficiency all year long. Whether you need a tune up, repair or installation, Grove is your one-stop shop for all of your ductless system needs. Give us a call today to learn more about ductless mini splits.
Anybody with a detached garage knows just how cold these spaces get in the winter. A garage that’s part of your house benefits a little from the heat in your home, but a detached garage is left to the elements.
This can be a real problem if your detached garage stores something in particular – like a prized classic car – or you use it for a particular task. For instance, you will be less inclined to get out there to do your woodwork if it is cold, and there’s a risk your wood will get too damp.
There is a range of different ways you can solve this problem, given the variety of different heating options out there. You don’t need to accept that your detached garage will always be cold and damp in the winter; you can try one of the following tips.
The best way to heat a detached garage depends on your needs. If your garage has no special function beyond storing your everyday cars and other regular items, then investing in some insulation may well be enough for you. But if your detached garage is more important than that, then you may want to invest a bit more in your heating and insulating options.
If you are trying to work out the best way to heat a detached garage, consider our handy guide below.
This is a kind of heating system that doesn’t need air ducts to heat the air. If your detached garage is ductless, a Crofton, MD ductless mini split installation from Mitsubishi will be your best option.
A single-zone mini split system is made up of an air-handling unit, which is installed inside your garage. There’s also a compressor that’s fitted on the outside. They are connected by a conduit and powered by electricity.
They are a flexible option for heating your garage. They usually come with a remote so you can easily control heating, and often come with a cooling function which you can use in the summer.
Setting up at the beginning can be quite expensive, and they require monthly cleaning, but ductless mini-split systems tend to be easy to use and hassle-free. It will keep your detached garage warm without cranking up the heat.
Unless you live in a very cold environment, mini-splits are ideal. Schedule a ductless mini-split installation as soon as possible.
This should be by far the cheapest option. You’d only need to improve the insulation your garage already has and make a few small additions, so there are no big overhauls or expensive purchases involved. This is also a simple job you can do yourself.
We recommend purchasing fiberglass insulation roll, as it is relatively inexpensive, widely available and very versatile. You could use it on the garage ceiling, walls and door.
Otherwise, all you will need is a sharp utility knife to cut the fiberglass to fit, a staple gun and wood to guide the fiberglass to the right size.
Weatherstripping is easy enough to apply to windows and doors to prevent cold air coming in.
It may not keep your garage warm, but if you live in an area where winter is mild and temperatures don’t drop too low, this should be fine. You may just need to layer up in the winter if you use your garage to work.
You should also insulate if you plan to buy heaters, otherwise warm air will escape.
Often used for in-floor heating, this can be fitted into walls and ceilings, too. This system will heat the surface areas where it is fitted using infrared radiation, heating the surface area evenly.
It is seen as ideal for under-floor heating because the hot air rises from underneath the floor to heat the entire area. This makes it one of the most efficient ways of heating a detached garage, which would likely require little energy to heat up using this system.
Indeed, even though it is expensive to install, its operating costs are very low and, unlike many heating systems, it is quiet, too.
This is ultimately the simplest way to heat your detached garage. Portable space heaters come in a range of different sizes to suit your needs, and most heaters built today are energy efficient so that you won’t add to your electricity bill.
This is a great option to supplement other heating sources or insulation and if you live in a mild climate. If your winters aren’t that cold, plugging in a space heater to go with your insulation will be enough to keep your garage warm if you are working in there.
You can then also use this heater elsewhere in the house, making it a very flexible heater to buy. Don’t rely on a space heater, though, if you live in a colder climate, as they take a while to heat up and are not as powerful as other sources.
Out of all of these solutions, we think installing a ductless mini split system from Mitsubishi is the best option. At Grove HVAC, we use Mitsubishi ductless mini splits, which are the most efficient and quietest units for your money.
Contact Grove today to schedule a ductless mini split installation.
As fall is here in Maryland and temperatures stay cool, we are switching to heating for the first time in many months. It is a good idea to consider doing this earlier in the season to test the system which has served you so well, to see if it’s still in good working order.
Furnaces in Maryland usually last around 16 – 20 years, but of course there is fluctuation even beyond that due to extreme conditions, abuse, and inferior quality equipment. Sometimes there are external issues beyond your control.
Switching to heating is a unique time of year, as it’s the first time your furnace or heating system has run in many months. While temperatures are still mild, fall is the right time of year to be diligent and watch for furnace issues that indicate a need for repair. When you catch these problems, you have more time to arrange heating repair and get issues resolved before cold weather is here to stay.
A good idea is to check the weather forecast and pick a 3-day cold spell, turn the thermostat to “heat” and test that furnace against what Maryland is going to offer this winter season.
Now that you won’t be using your air conditioner for a few months, it’s time to take action to protect it over the winter season. These steps help you shut down cooling equipment when switching to heat:
If you are already enrolled in our regular maintenance plan, you are all set for your home or business to stay comfortable for the cold and windy nights. If not, consider checking into an HVAC regular maintenance plan, save the headache and a few dollars!
How does a maintenance plan prevent issues when switching to heat? When you enroll in a maintenance plan, your annual tune up for your heating system is performed early in the fall, before temperatures drop, so your furnace, heat pump, or boiler will have already received essential services from a qualified technician! You know it works, because we’ve already tested the system, and you know it’s most likely to continue to work throughout the winter because we’ve corrected any improper operations or damage that existed, which may have caused you a breakdown later on.
When switching to heat, if you do notice any issues, call us right away for heating service and repair. Let us solve those issues now so you do not have to wait to regain comfort.
We all know it’s important to be prepared. Regarding your furnace or other heating system, it is no different. It’s best to give your furnace the attention it needs before an emergency. Watch for the signs your furnace is going bad so you know when to call.
Although we do offer emergency heating system repair 24/7/365 in Central Maryland, we would much rather help you avoid the stress and pressure by being prepared. If you notice these signs that your furnace is going bad at home, let’s chat about your furnace replacement options!
Most of these warning signs apply to a gas furnace, however, many of these signs can be applied to other heating systems like geothermal systems, mini-split, heat pumps, etc. Here is how to tell if your gas furnace is reaching the end of its road:
More instances of flu-like or cold symptoms among family members may be due to a carbon monoxide leak in the gas heater or poor ventilation of the exhaust. When carbon monoxide builds up in the home, it affects us and can make us sick in small doses. In higher concentrations, exposure is deadly.
Of course, the most important thing here is your safety and health, not your furnace. A carbon monoxide detector is a real help for your home, business or commercial property, as it’s the only way to detect carbon monoxide leaks.
After the fresh air and safety concerns are taken care of, we can certainly help with your HVAC system. The carbon monoxide can come from different sources of the furnace. If the exhaust is not properly controlled and vented out of the living space, the harmful gas builds up. Another source of the carbon monoxide coming into the living space is commonly a cracked heat exchanger or other cracked parts of a furnace. This typically happens in older systems.
We know the saying “nothing lasts forever” and this also applies to furnaces and other heating systems. Unfortunately, as furnaces age they begin to fail. The good news is that you can see the signs the furnace is going bad and be prepared or even avoid it completely. Hardly any of us know the age of our furnace however, we do have a “feel” that a furnace is “really old.”
Check the age of your heating system by looking at the information on the label attached directly to the unit. If you have any questions, ask us during our twice-yearly maintenance or search online. Many manufacturers have posted their manuals online.
The average age of a furnace is 15-20 years, however some models last longer with proper maintenance. Other types of HVAC equipment have a service life longer or shorter than the furnace average. The issue with heating systems lasting longer is that at 20 years, often the efficiency of the HVAC system is diminished even if the system still works. This causes higher energy bills.
As a furnace ages, it loses efficiency and your heating bills increase as the heating system runs more frequently. This uses more fuel, however it does not always mean more productive heat. The heater runs and runs but doesn’t keep the space comfortable. This is one of the signs your furnace is going bad.
A tune up may help in this case and also helps save money. Although, there is only so much to recoup with an older system, we are happy to help extend the life of your existing HVAC system and to help you make an informed decision on when it may be time for a replacement. Either way, we are glad to work with you to find the best success for your needs. We help you to weigh the signs that the furnace is going bad to make a financially sound decision.
Noises are often signs that the furnace is going bad. In some cases they are frustrating and stressful but when caught early, many of these issues are simply fixed. Fixing a young or mid-aged heating system makes a lot of sense and can save money.
We’ve been locally owned and operated in the Central Maryland area for decades and we know that if we do the best for your needs with open and honest communication it will help you and us in the long run. We bring our family values to every HVAC service. We’re here for the long run. So if you hear a squeal, a new click, grinding, or popping when your furnace is at any point in the heating cycle, it’s best to have a tech take a look and catch things early.
A gas furnace should have a vibrant or bright blue flame. When you see a weak and wavy or flickering flame, this indicates gas is not being completely burned. Pilot light color changes are another indicator that carbon monoxide is not venting away from the system safely.
A yellow flame is a clear sign that the gas is not burning properly. Dirty or partially blocked systems can produce this. It’s also another sign that a call to your trusted HVAC contractor is needed to save money and keep you a bit safer.
A dry environment can be caused from issues with the humidity control, but also can come from an undersized system which is running too frequently, or an oversized unit which does not run long enough. Replacement is the only way to get the correct size furnace your home needs.
Soot is generated from “day one” if the system is improperly installed, however it also can be from an aging system that may need to be replaced. Soot is one of the signs your furnace is going bad.
If your thermostat is no longer working properly, it may need to be replaced. There are a lot of “cool” new features that many thermostats offer that help to keep you more comfortable and save money. When some rooms are hot and others are cold, this is a sign of a needed repair. Though, many times this has other root causes like a poorly engineered system, poor thermostat location, or poor insulation.
When repairs are happening more frequently it is a good sign that it may save time and money to add a new, more efficient HVAC heating system in Central Maryland. Increased spending on repairs is a serious sign your furnace is going bad.
The signs your furnace is going bad means it’s time to replace. Trust Grove Heating and Cooling to guide you in the right direction! If you would like to schedule a furnace replacement or speak with a trusted, award-winning, local HVAC company with family values, decades of experience and industry connections, give us a call. Remember to ask about our great rebates, lifetime workmanship, specific materials and equipment warranties.
Whenever a home or business owner makes a big investment, one of their top priorities is to make sure that they get the most bang for their buck. Before you even make the purchase, you have to be sure to choose the unit that best fits your needs.
Grove Heating and Cooling, servicing Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Queen Anne’s counties, is here to help make sure not only do you get the best equipment, but through routine maintenance is stays that way!
With many types of HVAC appliances on the market, all made by different brands, it is hard to pin down which one is exactly right for your household. Instead of spending hours researching on your own, our consultants use their extensive HVAC knowledge to help you pick the unit that works with your budget, home size, and lifestyle.
The next step is proper installation. Trust our licensed staff to install your new heating or cooling equipment in accordance with manufacturer standards and in accordance with county guidelines to protect the integrity and performance of your unit.
A new heating or cooling unit is sure to provide an immediate comfort improvement to your home. That great benefit only lasts if you play your part to prolong the life of your HVAC. As a homeowner, the most important steps for you are maintenance-related.
HVAC maintenance, both professional tune ups and DIY tasks like regular filter changes are needed to protect your system from damage. Maintenance catches possible damage caused by use and remedies poor operating conditions that stress components. When individual components last longer without failure, odds are your HVAC system as a whole will, too.
If you want to prolong the life of your HVAC in MD with maintenance, you need to:
Heating and cooling equipment that is set up incorrectly causes headaches in the future, creating issues and more service bills. Our highly capable employees set everything up right the first time, giving you peace of mind and a unit that is ready to start working right away.
The best way you can help prolong the life of your HVAC in MD is to ensure your equipment receives the proper maintenance. You can easily do this by scheduling regular checkups with our Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s or Queen Anne’s counties HVAC technicians.
Thankfully, with our spring and fall heating and cooling maintenance plan, we’ve got you covered. When you have a professional inspection of your system, we are able to spot possible problems, solving them before they become an issue. Our very thorough checks help to keep you and our employees in touch with your units. The more we know, the more likely we’ll be able to spot issues and the better we’ll be able to keep you informed about what to expect from your unit in the future.
To keep your appliances healthy, call a professional right away if you notice an issue. Making the necessary repairs will keep your heating or AC unit in good condition. We are able to help your system keep running efficiently and won’t have to strain to complete the job. Bonus – when you sign up for one of our maintenance memberships plans, you receive 10 to 15% off if your units ever do need repairs, plus the repair services come with a two- to three-year warranty.
While you may not be able to perform the repairs and inspections yourself that prolong the life of your HVAC in MD, doing small things, like working with us and signing up for a maintenance plan, ensure that you’re doing your part to properly care for the unit, adding years to its life. Call today to find out why our Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s or Queen Anne’s counties HVAC technicians are the best in the business.
When furnace noises start, there can be a lot of questions. We’ve created a short list of common sounds that we have accumulated from decades of combined experience in the HVAC field serving Central Maryland. Our technicians are highly skilled, trained, and experienced, and our Diagnostic equipment is state of the art to bring you precise solutions for all of your furnace repair needs. We are ready to remedy all these noises, safely, often saving your money!
Well, you should consult a professional HVAC technician who can come to your home or business to see, hear, smell, and diagnose your actual furnace issue. This article is in no way a comprehensive or accurate answer to your specific furnace noises or issues, but is an interesting compilation. It is UNSAFE, and dangerous to work on your unit without proper training. Call a professional HVAC company for everyone’s safety.
Before we discuss problematic sounds, let’s review some normal noises a furnace makes which are rarely cause for concern:
The furnace noises you need to watch out for include:
This is likely the blower wheel, and will not get better over time if left alone. In most cases, if left untreated, the wearing will produce metal shavings or filings which will fall onto, and into other parts. With their tiny size, they can easily work their way into the smallest openings and damage electrical boards, wiring, and moving parts.
When these are steel shavings (attracted by the magnets in the electric motor), they can hamper effectiveness and eventually cause failure. Catching this early is simple, and waiting will be more costly and inconvenient to you.
This likely means the blower bearings are worn to the point of no return. It is likely in older furnaces that time has simply worn the bearings; on newer units, it can be that the belt tension has stressed the system.
Call as soon as possible, as this can be dangerous, and catching it early can mean savings! Letting the problem continue can affect other furnace components, and cause more costly failures.
This can be serious, but also can be as simple as an object getting sucked in through the air intake which has become stuck in several possible places. The item has to be small enough to get in through the vent – like a piece of paper, yet large enough to get stuck in the system.
Solving this means entering the furnace system. It should be solved when noticed and often these furnace noises can be remedied during a fall maintenance request.
This can be something as simple as a loose mounting screw or loose door. This could also be a partially installed furnace filter. Take a look at these areas in the location of the vibrating noise. If not solved with a simple loose door cover or screw, this issue needs to be found, and solved by a professional soon to prevent further damage.
This is often a “dirty” igniter/burner. When the igniter starts to become clogged, the initial gas is not lit and there is a buildup of gas before the weak igniter can start to light it. With the excess gas buildup and eventual ignition, the larger amount of gas will make the “pop”, or if large enough, a “Bang” as the larger mass of gas ignites.
This is an important time to call since these are obviously dangerous issues. They are able to easily damage the surrounding components if not fixed quickly, including costly pieces like the furnace’s heat exchanger.
Often this is loose or worn belts, however, it may be the motor shaft, bearings, or the motor itself. You may be familiar with this type of noise coming from a car or truck with a bad belt. Your furnace belt can experience the same condition.
Fixing this can be very affordable but is best done by a professional because the proper tension is best done by experience. Over and under tensioning creates damage to the motor, and any or all of the components which the belt is driving noises from the furnace.
Low bass sounds of popping, thumping, or bonging are typically expanding or contracting vents and duct work. This is common when the design and installation has undersized ducts, loose vents or ductwork, failing joints, or the ducts are touching other parts of the home structure. When heat expands, the ductwork metal pops back into its cooler, contracted state.
If this is the true root cause of the sounds, it is rarely damaging, but can be annoying, and even disturb sleep. If you are hearing these noises, even from ductwork in a new or increasing volume, it would be best to get it checked by a professional. Your fall HVAC maintenance appointment is a great time to inspect these sounds!
Whatever the noise, sight, smell or concern, we at Grove Heating and Cooling are ready to help with all your HVAC, heating system, and furnace needs for all of Central Maryland. Contact us now if you need furnace repair! Our 24-hour emergency furnace repair and replacement service has been refined and improved with our decades of combined experience to bring you superior HVAC services 24/7/365, starting with a live person on the phone, and finishing with our HVAC industry leading certifications, guarantees, and manufacturer’s warranties.
2142 Priest Bridge Ct. Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114
