5 Strange Noises Your Furnace is Making After the Asheboro Ice Storm
By Jordan Heating and Air | Serving Central North Carolina Since 1928
TL;DR | ESTIMATED READING TIME: 2 MIN
If your furnace is banging, whistling, or rattling after the storm, it is likely reacting to the strain of record-low temperatures. Identify the sound early to prevent a total system failure and ensure your home remains safe.
The Post-Storm Strain on Central NC Heating Systems
The recent ice storm forced Asheboro heating systems to run at maximum capacity for days. If you notice your furnace making banging noise, it is often a sign that the mechanical components are struggling to recover from the freeze. Ignoring these sounds can lead to expensive emergency breakdowns or safety hazards like cracked heat exchangers.
Identifying the Problem
Booming Upon Startup: This often indicates delayed ignition where gas builds up before lighting; a common issue after moisture-heavy storms.
Metallic Banging: This usually suggests a loose blower fan or a component that has expanded and contracted too quickly during the temperature swing.
High-Pitched Whistling: This points toward restricted airflow, potentially from a clogged filter or ice-blocked intake vents.
Scraping Sounds: This often means the blower wheel has come loose and is hitting the metal housing, requiring immediate attention.
Rapid Clicking: This is typically an electrical issue or a failing flame sensor struggling to keep the system engaged.
INTERACTIVE SELF-AUDIT BLOCK
| System Factor | Your Current Situation | What That Usually Means |
|---|---|---|
| Banging/Booming | Happens right when heat starts | Delayed ignition or dirty burners |
| Whistling/Squealing | Constant while running | Airflow restriction or belt wear |
| Metal-on-Metal | Loud scraping or grinding | Blower wheel obstruction |
| Rattling | Happens at the end of a cycle | Loose panels or motor mounts |
Concrete Advice: The Reset vs. Repair Logic
Before calling for service, ensure your intake and exhaust vents are clear of ice accumulation. A restricted airflow path creates a pressure imbalance that leads to whistling or vibration. However, if you hear a "metal-on-metal" sound, shut the system down immediately at the thermostat. Running a furnace with a loose blower wheel can destroy the entire motor assembly within minutes. We use a specific diagnostic workflow to check the heat exchange cycle and ensure no cracks formed during the rapid expansion of the record-breaking freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my furnace making a banging noise when it turns on?
In Asheboro, this is frequently "delayed ignition." Small amounts of gas build up before the igniter catches, causing a small boom. This can be exacerbated by moisture from recent ice storms affecting the burner assembly.
Can I ignore a whistling sound if the house is still warm?
No. A whistling sound usually indicates your furnace is working harder to pull air through a restriction. This causes the heat exchanger to run hotter than designed, which can lead to a premature and costly system failure.
Is a rattling noise normal during extreme cold?
While some expansion and contraction noise is normal, persistent rattling in your Randleman home often means a motor mount has loosened or a panel is vibrating due to the high-demand cycles during the storm.
Don't let a "strange noise" turn into a midnight emergency. If your system sounds different than it did last month, let a professional Jordan technician provide a definitive fix.
Sincerely,
Jordan Heating and Air Conditioning
Committed to Honesty & Quality
