Here in the Plainfield/Naperville area, we tend to run our air conditioners daily through the hot and humid summers and the furnace runs constantly during the cold winters.
The HVAC unit takes a lot of wear and tear. Occasionally, there are some issues that can arise. Unpleasant smells or strange noises may signal the need for a repair or replacement.
The most common components in the HVAC system that can cause odd smells or strange noises are the compressor, driveshaft/fan blower, and the fan blade. Issues with these components require a professional service call.
If you are experiencing any weird smells or sounds and do not know if it is normal or not, here are a few of the more common noises and smells and if/when to call for help.
No Sounds of Silence
Chirp
Chirping sounds are typical with a furnace and are usually just the natural noises associated with the mechanics of the unit.
Rattle
Rattling noises are common when the unit is cooling down and is not usually cause for alarm.
Ping
Pinging sounds can be caused by expanding or contracting air ducts are not typically a major worry.
Hum
Humming occasionally occurs when the furnace burner light and is no cause for alarm.
Boom
Booming is common when the weather heats up or cools down, causing the ductwork to expand or contract and can be normal. However, when a booming sound is accompanied by a burning smell it is likely there is a dirty burner in the furnace or a defective gas valve. A professional inspection is recommended for this issue.
Whine
Whining or vibrating noises can signal a problem with the furnace and a professional inspection is recommended.
Clunk
A clunking or bumping noise typically indicates a cracked belt and the need for replacement. Call a professional to inspect this and make the repair.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Musty
A musty smell could signal mold or mildew in the ductwork. Changing the furnace filter will help, which is easily done without a service call. Additionally, cleaning the drip pan with bleach or white vinegar is recommended, which can also be done without a service call or, if you aren’t sure where the drip pan is located, call a professional for service (having an inspection of the system will also hep prevent any other issues from popping up.)
Burning
A burning smell can indicate a dirty burner or a defective gas valve and requires a call to a professional.
Award-winning Service You Can Count On
When you need HVAC services, it pays to hire a company you can depend on. Call TR Miller Heating & Cooling at 815-265-6650 to request an immediate appointment in Plainfield, IL, and the surrounding areas.
Homeowners know they can count on TR Miller Heating & Cooling to get the job done right the first time. As a third-generation company, we have the experience to know what works and what does not.
Source: American Standard Air
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Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.
TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.
That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.
Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.
That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.
Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.
Credentials & Affiliations:
- President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
- Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
- Board Member, Nexstar Network
- Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
- Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
- Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
