As temperatures drop in Hailey, Idaho, your furnace is working hard to keep your home warm. But what happens when you start hearing strange noises coming from your heating system? Unusual furnace sounds can be an early warning sign of trouble, and ignoring them could lead to costly repairs down the road. Here are some common furnace noises and what they might mean. 1. Banging or Booming If you hear a loud banging or booming sound when your furnace kicks on, it could indicate a delayed ignition problem. This occurs when gas builds up before igniting, causing a small explosion. If left unchecked, this issue can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger, leading to costly repairs or even system failure. Possible Causes: Dirty burners preventing proper ignition Low gas pressure Ignition system malfunction What to Do: Turn off your furnace and call a professional HVAC technician to inspect and clean the burners or adjust the gas pressure. 2. Squealing or Screeching High-pitched squealing or screeching noises are often linked to issues with the blower motor or fan belt. Over time, belts can become loose or worn, and motor bearings may need lubrication. Possible Causes: Worn-out or loose blower belt Motor bearings in need of lubrication Malfunctioning blower motor What to Do: Schedule a furnace inspection to replace belts, lubricate motor bearings, and ensure everything is running smoothly. 3. Rattling or Vibrating A rattling or vibrating furnace could be a sign of loose components or ductwork. If you hear metal-on-metal sounds, it may indicate a more serious mechanical issue. Possible Causes: Loose screws or panels Unsecured ductwork Failing blower motor What to Do: Check for loose screws and panels and tighten them if necessary. If the rattling persists, have an HVAC technician inspect your system. 4. Clicking Sounds While it’s normal to hear some clicking when your furnace turns on and off, excessive clicking could be a sign of a failing ignition system or a faulty relay. Possible Causes: Faulty ignition system Defective flame sensor Electrical component issues What to Do: If the clicking is persistent or your furnace struggles to ignite, call a professional for a thorough inspection. 5. Whistling or Hissing A whistling or hissing noise often indicates an airflow restriction or a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off your furnace immediately and evacuate your home. Possible Causes: Dirty or clogged air filter Leaky ductwork Gas leak (if accompanied by a sulfur smell) What to Do: Replace your air filter and check for any visible duct leaks. If you smell gas, leave your home and call your gas provider or HVAC professional immediately. When to Call a Professional If your furnace is making strange noises that persist after simple troubleshooting, don’t ignore the warning signs. At Evans Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical, we provide expert furnace repairs and maintenance to keep your system running safely and efficiently.

When the temperatures drop in Hailey, Idaho, the last thing you want is for your furnace to start blowing cold air. A malfunctioning furnace can quickly turn your cozy home into an icebox, making it crucial to identify and address the issue as soon as possible. Here are some common reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air and what you can do about it. 1. Your Thermostat Settings Need Adjustment Before assuming the worst, check your thermostat settings. Ensure it is set to "Heat" and not "Fan" or "Cool." If the fan is set to "On," it will blow air continuously, even when the furnace isn't actively heating. Switching the fan to "Auto" allows it to only run when heat is being produced. 2. Your Furnace Filter is Clogged A dirty or clogged furnace filter can restrict airflow and cause the system to overheat. When this happens, your furnace's safety mechanism may shut down the burners, allowing only cold air to circulate. Check your filter and replace it if it's dirty. 3. The Pilot Light is Out If you have an older gas furnace, a blown-out pilot light could be the reason for the lack of heat. Check to see if the pilot light is lit. If it's out, relighting it might solve the problem. However, if it continues to go out, there may be an issue with the thermocouple or gas supply that requires professional assistance. 4. Your Furnace is Overheating An overheating furnace may shut itself down as a safety precaution, leaving only the blower running, which results in cold air blowing through the vents. Common causes of overheating include a clogged filter, blocked vents, or mechanical failures. If replacing the filter doesn't help, it's time to call in an HVAC professional. 5. There’s a Problem with the Gas Supply If your furnace isn't getting enough gas, it won't be able to produce heat. Check other gas appliances in your home to see if they're working properly. If there's an issue with your gas supply, contact your utility company or a licensed HVAC technician. 6. Your Ductwork Has Leaks Leaks in your ductwork can allow warm air to escape before it reaches your living spaces, leaving you with cold air blowing from your vents. If you suspect ductwork issues, an HVAC professional can inspect and seal any leaks to restore efficiency. When to Call a Professional If you've checked your thermostat, changed your filter, and your furnace is still blowing cold air, it's time to call the experts. At Evans Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical, we provide professional furnace repair services to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.