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November 27, 2019

Here’s a scenario you never want to put up with in the middle of winter: You wake up to a chilly morning and turn up the thermostat to make your home a little cozier. Everything seems fine until a minute later, you hear a strange noise coming from the closet where your furnace resides. Heat still seems to be coming out of your air vents, so is it really necessary to schedule a furnace repair? As the premier heating and cooling company for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the whole Hampton Roads area we wanted to share some of our insights into what all those noises might be! :)

Just like with your car, a loud noise coming from your furnace is rarely a good sign. Here is a look at the most common sounds furnaces make when they malfunction — and what one of these sounds might mean for your heating system.

What’s That Noise Coming from My Furnace?

Banging, Booming, or Thumping

Whatever you call it, a loud banging sound usually means it’s time for a heating repair. These sounds may be caused by an unbalanced blower wheel, an unbalanced blower motor, or sheet metal siding that is bending inward. The issue could also be a gas buildup or problems with your ductwork.

Squealing or Screeching

Squealing or screeching is often a sign that it’s time to lubricate the moving parts inside your furnace. These sounds could also point to a loose fan belt. Though these are less serious heating issues, it’s a good idea to call a professional if you are unsure of the problem or don’t feel comfortable handling the fix yourself.

To prevent these sounds in the future, be sure to schedule regular furnace maintenance, which includes lubrication of moving parts to keep your heating unit running at peak performance..

Metal Clanking or Scraping

Does the noise sound more like scraping or metal hitting metal? You could have a loose blower wheel hitting the blower housing, which can eventually lead to damage to both the blower wheel and the housing. Alternatively, you might have a broken blower wheel or broken motor mount on your hands.

Low Rumbling

This could indicate that there is a problem with your burner, or your furnace may simply need a routine tune-up. An HVAC professional can diagnose the issue to get your furnace operating smoothly again.

Get Your Furnace Running Smoothly Again with Russell’s

When in doubt, if you hear a loud sound coming from your furnace, it’s best to turn off the power and gas supply and schedule a furnace repair as soon as possible. Continuing to run a malfunctioning furnace could lead to severe damage and a costlier repair.

If you’re located in the greater Chesapeake, VA area, we’re here to help you diagnose your furnace troubles. With our Service Today or It’s Free guarantee, we promise we’ll be there to service your heating unit the same day you request service — or your we will waive the service fee!

Having trouble diagnosing the noise your furnace is making? Call (VA) 757-995-2807 / (NC) 252-489-4431 or contact us today to schedule furnace repair and prevent further damage!

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Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach
  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA
  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA
  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA
  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA
  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA
  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach
  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach
  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA
  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach
  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA
  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God
  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA
  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA
  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach
  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA
  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA
  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA
  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA
  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach
  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA