Skip to main content

Rated: 4.9 / 5 based on 2100+ reviews. Read our reviews

Biggins' BIG Daily Deal! $79 Water Heater Flush Get a free quote | February Promo Offers

What Type of Electrical Wire Is Used in Homes? Mounds, OK, Experts Answer

The residents of Mounds, Oklahoma, know this suburban area as quaint and peaceful, with not much going on. For a long time, it’s been “Green Country,” with one school, gas station, and church, as well as Cafe 75, the only place remotely resembling a restaurant. According to Niche, a few parks here might have burned-out bulbs and faulty wiring, but what type of electrical wire is used in homes in Mounds?

Hopefully, your household bulbs aren’t looking anything like the ones in the parks. As a top electrician in Mounds, OK, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can help keep life bright. Below, we explain the different types of wiring and their right usage.

The Basics of Wires and Cables

Before delving into the main types of wires found in Mounds homes, you might wonder about the difference between cables and wires. 

Like your laptop or phone charger wire, an electrical wire comprises a single solid or stranded wire, usually with a protective plastic coating over it. Cables, on the other hand, are made up of at least two uncoated wires placed into one protective plastic sheathing. 

Wires are most common in cases where you need a minor signal to travel a short distance. Cables have numerous conductors, as they send multiple, stronger signals over longer distances. Below, we’ll relay some types around Mounds homes.

Common Types of Electrical Wiring in Mounds Homes 

What type of electrical wire is used in homes? Our first stop is THHN wire. 

THHN Wires

The acronym found in its name explains what it comprises. The T means it has thermoplastic insulation, the double H indicates it’s highly heat resistant, and the N means a Nylon coat, which is there for additional protection. Like other wires, THHN is a single conductor with a tubular metal conduit or plastic coat protector. 

These plastic coatings also come in different colors to help Mounds experts understand where each wire goes. While the orange, black, or red wires are active and more dangerous, the white and brown ones are neutral. The green or yellowish ones are grounding wires that safely redirect excess electricity to the earth rather than any items or people in your home. 

THWN Wires

Your standard THWN wires are color-coated the same way as THHN wires and have similar features. Like THHN wires, most THWNs have a copper wire makeup that is popular in modern Mounds homes. Ones with an aluminum wire composition are less common due to their tendency to overheat and cause potential fire hazards. 

The only difference is the W – it’s safe for use in wet locations.

Other Kinds of Wires

What type of electrical wire is used in homes other than THHN and THWN? 

  • Low-voltage wires in thermostats, doorbells, and sprinkler systems 
  • Phone and data wires

Popular Kinds of Electrical Cables Found in Mounds Homes 

Moving on to cables, a nonmetallic cable (also known as a Romex cable) is most popular in Mounds homes. 

Romex Cables 

Each cable consists of at least three conductors – current-carrying, neutral, and ground. While single-conductor wires have individual sheaths colored specifically to explain which of these three categories they fall under, cables have the active, ground and neutral wires bundled together into one color-coded sheath. Therefore, a cable’s color explains its gauge, not its wire type. 

For example:

  • Six to eight-gauge cables with 55-amp and 40-amp circuits, respectively, have black coatings.
  • 10-gauge cables with 30-amp circuits have orange sheathing.
  • 12-gauge cables with 20-amp circuits are known for yellow protective plastic.
  • 14-gauge cables with 15-amp circuits comprise white sheathing.

Underground Feeder Cables 

Are you wondering what type of electrical wire is used in homes in cable form other than Romex cables? Underground feeders are also nonmetallic, but while Romex cables are only meant for dry areas in Mounds, these feeders are perfect for anywhere outdoors, underground, and even in wet locations. 

Each wire inside the protective gray sheathing has its own coating for additional insulation. The cables are perfect for outdoor projects and fixtures. These wires inside are the same types as above – a neutral wire, a hot wire, and a ground wire.

Quality Matters When It Comes to Your Mounds Electrical System

Rather than winging a repair or installation or trying out a random video tutorial, get Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric on the job. We’re the #1 team in Mounds, Oklahoma, with 4.9 stars and over 2,100 Google reviews.

We can tell you everything from what type of electrical wire is used in homes to the electrical requirements for HVAC functioning – call today for your free quote!

Common Causes of Faulty Wiring and How to Address Them in Wagoner, OK

Aging houses and commercial buildings’ electrical systems can be ticking time bombs, even though the property owners often don’t realize it. Materials and components fall apart or lose their integrity as they age. Faulty wiring is no different — except that this particular problem can ignite left unchecked.

Below is more on the topic from Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s trusted electrician in Wagoner, OK. This local provider lists the common problems caused by poor wiring and why you don’t want to wait to address them.

What Causes Faulty Wiring in Wagoner Households?

faulty wiring

Detached or frayed wires don’t just cause mild annoyances like lights flickering on and off – they are real electrical hazards. Left untreated, bad wires can stoke hidden housefires that threaten your family’s safety and home. Below, we cover some of the signs of faulty wiring so that you’re better able to protect your household and call for help.

Your Electrical Network Has Circuit Issues

Two main circuit issues can manifest in Wagoner households and businesses: short circuits and overloaded circuits. 

Short-Circuiting

A short happens when a live or hot wire (one with an active electrical flow) contacts a neutral or conductor wire. When it does, the electrical resistance plummets, allowing a surge of power through the circuit. Short circuits cause sparks to fly, which is bad news for anything flammable nearby.

Circuit Overloading

The second issue is accidentally causing a circuit overload, usually by plugging in too many devices in the same room or power strip. An overload happens when the electrical demand exceeds what the network can safely supply. If this happens, the connected breaker stops the circuit, shutting off all lights and devices connected through it. 

Your Outlets Have Grounding Problems

Modern electrical systems will be well-grounded in Wagoner, Oklahoma, which means they touch the ground at some point to keep the electricity from re-circuiting and overloading. Still, sometimes, grounding problems develop internally, such as:

  • Insecure plugins: When you plug in an electrical device, do you push it firmly enough into the outlet? If not, the appliance isn’t fully grounded and may harm the wiring.
  • Water exposure: Moisture and leaks wreak havoc with wiring, corroding metal, and causing separations that affect the circuitry.
  • Broken grounding wires: Grounding wires direct electricity safely into the ground if there’s an overload. If a grounding wire severs, it can’t ground excess voltage.

Your Lights Regularly Flicker Lights

faulty wiring

Have dimming or flickering lights ever spooked you? There’s a perfectly logical reason behind it that might include: 

  • Circuit overload: Overloaded circuits impact other areas of your electrical network, like light fixtures. When an outlet demands more electricity than the network can readily supply, it takes it from elsewhere.
  • Poor or loose wiring: Is the wire connecting the light bulb to the network hanging on by a thread? That means the bulb can’t access sufficient power to stay bright. 
  • Fixture issues: Incorrectly installed fixtures can stress and degrade the connected wires. For example, if the old contractor stretched or twisted the wires in odd ways to connect them, they may not last long.

Your Electrical Panel Houses More Circuits Than It Can Manage

Have you upgraded or retrofitted your original electrical panel within the past few years? Consider replacing the panel soon. Old electrical panels with faulty wiring can only manage limited electrical activity and aren’t designed to handle modern life. 

Does your current panel work fine but struggle to distribute electricity properly? It might benefit from a simple sub-panel to lighten its load. Be sure to check this with your electrician.

Your Old Home Features Aluminum Wiring

Many homes and businesses constructed before the 1970s featured aluminum wiring instead of traditional, reliable copper. At the time, construction companies, electricians, and property owners considered aluminum a cost-effective alternative for conductivity. Unfortunately, now we know that aluminum corrodes more easily.

Aluminum is a copper substitute, but a brittle one that doesn’t last very long. If your home was built during the 1960s or 70s, ask our electrician in Wagoner, Oklahoma, to evaluate whether copper replacements could help restore things.

Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric Can Fix Your Faulty Wiring Problems in Wagoner, Oklahoma

How can you fix wiring issues? Unless you are a qualified electrician, you shouldn’t ever fix wiring issues yourself. Schedule electrical inspections for fire risks and other concerns in your household or workplace, and trust the experts.

Faulty wiring is no joke! Fortunately, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric isn’t laughing. We’re standing by to protect your home in Wagoner, Oklahoma, so call us to schedule electrical repairs, heating maintenance, or leak fixes today!

Why DIY Electrical Repairs Can Be Dangerous and Costly for Tulsa Homeowners

For homeowners, few things are as satisfying as successfully completing a home improvement project, especially when they save some money in the process. Certain repairs or upgrades are safe to do on your own. However, many projects, including electrical or plumbing work, are better left to a professional – and that includes seemingly small projects. 

Can I do DIY electrical work? For something like a light fixture or ceiling fan installation, the answer is a resounding no. Below, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric, the leader in electrical services in Tulsa, OK, explains why safety isn’t the only thing in mind when professionals caution homeowners against DIY electrics and other dangerous work.

The Best Reason To Avoid DIY Electrical Work in Tulsa? It’s Actually Illegal

can i do diy electrical work

You may be surprised how many well-meaning homeowners attempt electrical projects without realizing that doing so is against the law. That’s right; in Oklahoma, it’s illegal for anyone who does not have a professional electrician’s license to perform any kind of electrical work. 

While you’re unlikely to get arrested or face jail time for changing out an outlet, you could run into trouble down the road if you try to sell your home. A home inspector will check code compliance. You may be on the hook for professional repairs if the official discovers issues with your amateur repairs or installations.

Typically, electrical repairs require a permit. If you visit the Tulsa permitting office and ask, “Can I do DIY electrical work?” they’ll refuse to grant you permission, and rightly so. Working with electricity is dangerous, and faulty repairs create too many risks to leave them in the hands of an amateur. 

In general, only a professional electrician can get the necessary permits. This strict process ensures everything is legal, and the house won’t face any safety problems later on. 

Unlicensed Electrical Work Can Create Safety Hazards 

If you don’t have the training and expertise to work with electricity, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. Even something as minor as failing to secure wiring or a fixture can cause electrical fires that severely damage or destroy a home and put families at risk for injury.

Other common safety hazards associated with DIY electrical repairs include: 

  • Electric shocks, during and after the work 
  • Circuit overloads that lead to shorts and surges 
  • Damage or injuries due to not using the proper tools 
  • Fixtures that are dangerous to use

Can I do DIY electrical work with a basic understanding of the electrical system? The answer is always no. Even if you follow the precise instructions you find online or in a user’s manual, there are always DIY repair risks you’ll want to avoid.

Amateur Electrical Repairs Cost Tulsa Homeowners More Money

can i do diy electrical work

Saving money is the primary reason homeowners opt to attempt their own electrical repairs, but it’s common for that plan to backfire — and in a big way. 

You might want to avoid the expense of hiring a Tulsa electrician. However, trying to fix problems yourself can make things significantly worse. Ultimately, you may face thousands in repair costs, and that’s the best-case scenario.

Let’s say that you do manage to fix one issue correctly, but along the way, you cause other problems that snowball into huge repair bills. If the work you’ve done then causes a fire or some other damage, you’ll spend a lot of money fixing those problems. Plus, the chances are your homeowner’s insurance won’t lift a finger because most insurers deny claims relating to what a homeowner did (or didn’t do), including unauthorized electrical work.

The bottom line is that making your own electrical repairs isn’t likely to save you any money. For your own peace of mind and safety, get a licensed Tulsa electrician to do the job.

Leave Electrical Work to Tulsa’s Most Respected Professionals 

When you consider fires, significant electrical problems, and exorbitant expenses, it’s easy to see why we tell homeowners who ask, “Can I do DIY electrical work?” that it’s a terrible idea. Besides, when you have an exceptional team like Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric to handle your Tulsa, Oklahoma, home, it doesn’t make sense to risk it. 

Get the help you need by giving us a call or scheduling an appointment online. We’ll take care of every detail, from installing a light fixture to securing a permit to upgrade electrical panels. Don’t put your home or budget in danger – leave the electrical work to Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric’s professionals.

low water presure

5 Signs of Low Water Pressure in Your Owasso House

When you turn on the tap or start the dishwasher in your Owasso house, don’t you expect a steady flow of water? A weak stream that’s barely more than a trickle is frustrating, and low water pressure is quite a common plumbing issue. Still, if you don’t recognize it until it becomes an inconvenience, you can’t prevent it, so it pays to look closely at a few things.

Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric, Owasso’s plumbing repair services leader, shares the clues below to give you a heads-up about low pressure before things escalate.

1. Reduced Water Flow

Changes to the amount of water flowing from faucets and fixtures are the most obvious sign of a low water pressure issue. Most people notice a difference in the shower, but depending on the source of the problem and its location, you might spot changes in one of the faucets, too. Often, these changes occur gradually, so you might not notice until the flow becomes so weak it’s hard to rinse off or wash the dishes. 

Of course, there are cases where the water pressure drops out of the blue. Often, the main water line is the problem. Unexpected pressure drops could also be due to a malfunctioning pressure regulator.

2. Dripping Faucets

low water presure

A dripping faucet is never a good thing. These plumbing issues require attention, although you might not realize that this dripping or leaking faucet is a common sign of low water pressure! 

In your Owasso home, changes in water pressure as it flows through a fixture can compromise its seals and washers. Over time, this might allow water to escape. If you have recurring trouble with dripping faucets, your plumbing might have severely clogged pipes or corrosion, causing damaging fluctuations in the water pressure.

3. Unusual Sounds 

Loud or strange noises coming from your home’s plumbing pipes or water-connected fixtures are never a good sign. These noises could indicate a number of issues, including a blockage or sludge buildup that’s preventing water from flowing freely. As the water struggles to get past the obstacle, the pipes can make banging, rattling, or gurgling noises.

Sometimes, the water may also come out of the tap looking discolored or darker than usual. 

4. Appliances Don’t Work Correctly 

low water presure

Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines need an adequate water supply to work properly. Without the right pressure, they’ll fill too slowly (or not at all) and stop working. You might also notice issues with your refrigerator’s ice maker and water dispenser when something’s wrong with the property’s plumbing. 

Even when the appliances run, low water pressure can prevent them from working correctly. For example, you might notice a washing machine not fully rinsing off the soap or dishes that are still dirty after a full dishwasher cycle. If things that are supposed to make your life easier are instead creating more work for you, it’s time to call an Owasso plumber.

5. Inconsistent Water Temperatures 

Have you ever been minding your own business in the shower when the water changed temperature without warning because someone else turned on a tap or flushed a toilet? This is a common issue in homes with old plumbing since a decrease in water pressure can temporarily affect hot or cold water flow.

If these changes occur randomly, there could be an issue somewhere in the system that needs repair, like sediment buildup in the water heater. Pressure fluctuations would then affect the hot water tap.

Why Turn To Professionals To Deal With Inadequate Water Pressure in Owasso, OK?

If you do experience weak flow from showerheads or taps, it can feel like a minor annoyance. Still, you shouldn’t ignore it because it is often a sign of a bigger issue in the pipes that requires attention. Ignoring something like a clog would cause pressure to increase on one side, damaging the pipe and potentially causing water leaks. 

If you’d like to avoid a costly repair bill, you might want to enlist the help of a local plumber if you notice any of the five signs mentioned above. Whether it’s a pressure regulator adjustment or a pipe replacement, a steady water flow might be only one small repair away. 

Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric Helps Owasso Homeowners With Plumbing Problems 

Are you dealing with low water pressure in your Owasso, Oklahoma, home? Don’t wait for it to get worse – call Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric’s experts to get to the root of the problem. We’re also helpful in emergencies, like addressing the causes of overheating ACs or replacing broken furnaces.

Understanding the Causes of Low Furnace Gas Pressure in Jenks, OK

The residents of Jenks, a Tulsa suburb in Oklahoma, know the area’s cold and snowy winters well. Almost every night here from December to February, it dips below freezing. The daytime during these shorter months is no better, bringing clouds and a mere ten hours of direct sunlight that makes it feel cooler than it is. 

In these conditions, you need all heating equipment parts to work optimally, including critical elements like your furnace gas pressure. The furnace might be your only refuge during the winter. This heating system creates a controlled indoor climate for your comfort and safety, but that won’t get you far without a reputable furnace repair company in Jenks, OK, on hand. 

Below, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s five-star team explains low gas pressure causes, signs, and solutions. The team is here for your furnace’s maintenance, repairs, installations, and everything in between.

How Do Gas Furnaces Work?

Unlike electric furnaces, gas units demand a healthy gas flow from the gas supply line. Here’s how they work:

  • The propane or natural gas travels to the furnace’s burner assembly, where it ignites into a flame via combustion. 
  • This flame creates heat, which moves into the heat exchanger. 
  • From there, the furnace blower and fan move household air into the now-hot heat exchanger, warming it up.

The heated air then re-enters your home.

What Signs Does Low Gas Pressure Relay in Your Jenks Home

furnace gas pressure

Does your Jenks heating system use gas? What happens if the furnace gas pressure isn’t up to par? 

According to Bill Johnson’s ACHR News series on HVACR services, every cubic foot of gas requires an average of 10 cubic feet of air for proper combustion. It may take slightly less air for proper combustion, but lower gas pressure causes incomplete combustion regardless. That means the fuel hasn’t burned completely, creating less heat for the heat exchanger. 

If you’re only receiving lukewarm or unaltered cool air blowing through your air vents, you’ll have an uncomfortable indoor climate. Your furnace will also keep running, trying to reach the thermostat setting to no avail. Expect this inefficient process to: 

  • Raise energy bills
  • Overheat the furnace, triggering the safety mechanism to shut it down
  • Cause short cycling
  • Lead to premature furnace wear and tear

You’ll also find yourself calling for numerous repairs and an early replacement unless you can catch the problem as you notice these signs that your Jenks furnace gas pressure is low:

  • Yellow or weakly lit pilot light
  • The furnace won’t ignite
  • Loud or weird noises during heating cycles
  • High CO levels

Causes of Insufficient Pressure in Jenks Furnaces

furnace gas pressure

So, now you know how to read the signs of low furnace pressure, but can you prevent the problem in the first place? Start with the basics. For example, the most common culprit in pressure issues is a dirty or clogged furnace gas line. 

The gas supply line sits outside, picking up dirt, dust, and leaves during installation or as corrosion or ground shifting occurs. If cracks and holes develop along the pipe’s surface, these contaminants may enter and obstruct the line. However, the bigger problem is that this hole will also let gas leak out of the line, which will reduce furnace efficiency and lower gas pressure – and pose a safety hazard!

How can you tell if there’s a gas leak on your Jenks property? If there are hissing or squealing sounds near your gas line, a rotten egg smell, or dying vegetation nearby, watch out. A leak might be the cause of a furnace gas pressure issue, but you should also consider the following:

  • A faulty gas pressure regulator improperly controls the gas pressure
  • Gas meter issues causing incorrect settings 
  • Incorrect unit sizing 
  • Gas valve malfunctions

These issues need a professional hand to remedy safely.

Remedying Low Gas Pressure in Jenks, Oklahoma, With Quality Care

Aside from clearing debris around your gas line outside your home and near your furnace inside, there’s not much else you can do about dirty lines and leaks. Handling gas and gas lines is also exceptionally dangerous for you, your family, and your home. Please stay safe and call a professional instead – a licensed technician will check your furnace and other gas appliances are up to code.

At Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, our team has over 30 years of combined experience and checks every part of your furnace, from the gas manifold to the safety shutoff valve. Whether you want to learn about bad plumbing or rebalance your furnace gas pressure in Jenks, Oklahoma, we’re here for you. Contact our #1 team today!

How To Clean A Smelly Drain in Broken Arrow, OK

Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, provides an ideal spot for life as an aspiring individual or part of a growing family. It has a B+ rating for jobs, with the average household making quite a bit more than the national average. Niche also gives it an A- for public schools and housing. 

Of course, ratings won’t matter much if your home in Broken Arrow smells disgusting. Do you know how to clean a smelly drain in Broken Arrow, OK? Drain odors are not only unpleasant but lead to further problems that threaten your plumbing system and your health. 

Fortunately, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s #1 team can provide reliable plumbing repair in Broken Arrow. Since 2009, we’ve ensured this community has the home comfort it expects. Below are some causes of smelly drains and the best solutions.

The Causes of a Smelly Drain in Broken Arrow, OK 

how to clean a smelly drain

Is the toilet in your unused guest bathroom starting to smell? It might be a sink in your outdoor cooking area after a long winter away. Without regularly running water through these appliances, the P-traps dry out, which is one cause of smells that are fairly easy to remedy. 

The P-trap holds water after each use to block toxic sewer gasses from flowing back up out of the drain and into your home. Running or flushing the water occasionally helps refill this P-trap, dampening any smells. 

Still, some pipes might stink if something lodges within them. Anything from hair and soap scum in the bathroom shower drains to food from your kitchen sink disposal might be starting to decompose and attract odor-filled bacteria as it clogs the drain.

Remedying a Smelly Drain in Broken Arrow 

So, you know what often causes odors. Now, let’s learn how to clean a smelly drain so that you can give your home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a fresh start.

Removing Clogs That Causes the Smell in Drain Lines 

how to clean a smelly drain

If a clog accompanies the smell, clearing it solves the problem. Plumbing and drain-cleaning experts will take the following approach:

  • Remove the drain clover.
  • Remove as much debris as possible from the drain entrance. 
  • Close to the drain.
  • Use the suction action of a plunger to pull the remaining debris out. 

This will clear any small clogs, but if it doesn’t sort out the smell after a few hours or days, there’s likely a deeper clog. Anything in the outside sewer line requires an auger to reach deep into your drain system and grind up offending particles – including tree roots and critters’ nests. These remains then travel into Broken Arrow’s municipal sewer main.

If that still doesn’t do the trick for the odors, there’s hydro-jetting to sort out sludge, grease, and other gunk. This high-pressure water hose sprays up to 5,000 psi during drain cleaning, blasting away any residue in the pipes.

Eradicating Smells That Don’t Originate from a Clog 

What if you want to know how to clean a smelly drain in Broken Arrow but are sure there’s no clog? Smells can still develop due to a biofilm of fungi, algae, and bacteria. These microorganisms multiply and secrete a slimy extracellular polymeric substance, often releasing a musty, sewage-like, or “rotten egg” smell.

Fortunately, in this case, odor removal would be as simple as pouring boiling water into your sink, tub, or shower drain to flush away loose bacteria. Vinegar and baking soda might also do something to neutralize the smells. Throw in this mix for a few minutes before you pour in the boiling water.

Fixing Garbage Disposal Odor Issues

Garbage disposals work slightly differently from traditional pipe systems and require extra care. Because the disposal comprises blades that face buildup, just like the inner pipe walls, you’ll want to keep this drain as clear as possible to avoid odors.

Throwing in some salt mixed with a dozen ice cubes and lemon peels is a good start. Turn on the disposal for a few minutes to scrub the mechanism and pipes. The peels give the blades a fresher scent. 

For Unbeatable Quality in Broken Arrow!

Broken Arrow is a beautiful area, from the scenic Ray Harral Nature Park to its boutiques and award-winning art galleries. You don’t want your Broken Arrow home to be known for its foul smell, so why not learn how to clean a smelly drain or call for plumbing maintenance? 

Contact Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric for a team with five-star reviews on Google and Facebook, as well as an A+ rating with the BBB. With our reliable 24/7 assistance, you can say goodbye to bad plumbing!

Why Does My Furnace Whistle When It Turns on in Owasso, OK?

Furnace systems do not run silently. You’ll notice that dull or light hum when yours is working. The noise quickly fades into the background as you start to enjoy the warmth from the system. So, it can be frustrating to hear a strange noise, such as whistling, while your furnace is in use.

Such a noise can make your home far less comfortable. As Owasso’s top-rated heating repair company, we’ve heard many people calling us to ask, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?”

We’ll discuss all the possible reasons in this post.

Restricted Airflow or Ventilation Issues

why does my furnace whistle when it turns on

You’re most likely to hear the furnace whistle sound if your heating system is combating restricted airflow or ventilation issues. Your furnace needs a steady supply of air to work efficiently. If the airflow is restricted or blocked, the pressure inside the system will rise, creating that whistling sound.

Some of the most common causes of airflow issues include:

  • Clogged air filters. Air filters help trap contaminants, maintaining the quality of your indoor air. However, as clogs mount, it will be more difficult for air to flow through to your furnace. The increased pressure may lead to whistling noise as the furnace tries to suck in or release air.
  • Blocked registers and vents. Your furnace will work harder than normal to deliver warm air if there’s anything blocking the vents and registers. That extra strain can lead to all kinds of noise including that furnace whistle sound.
  • Blocked intake or exhaust vents. Snow, debris, and bird nests can block the intake or exhaust vents, leading to that whistling noise as your furnace tries to draw in or expel air.
  • Wrongly sized vents. If you find yourself asking, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” it may be because your vents are too small.

Ductwork Problems

The duct system carries the heat from your furnace across your home. Any problems in the duct that can lead to air escaping before it reaches the vents will likely lead to the whistling sound.

So, any loose or disconnected segments or small leaks in the system can cause your furnace to whistle when it starts up.

Blower Motor Problems

The blower component helps push the warm air into the duct system, ensuring easier distribution across your home. A malfunctioning motor or one that has an unbalanced wheel will likely make strange sounds like whistling while running.

Poorly maintained furnace systems are likely to have more wear and tear on the motor system.

Poor Furnace Installation

why does my furnace whistle when it turns on

It’s not uncommon for homeowners in Owasso, OK, to find out that the origin of the furnace whistle sound they are experiencing goes back to the system’s first day. A lot can go wrong if you choose an inexperienced technician to install your furnace. The unit having a startup noise or making whistling sounds while running is one of the possible downsides.

Poor installation work can lead to rapid pressure changes while the furnace is working.  When the pressure is too high, air will try to escape from any small gaps in the system, leading to that whistling sound. Two main causes of these pressure changes include installing an oversized or undersized furnace and setting the blower to the wrong speed.

What Should You Do About a Whistling Furnace in Your Owasso, OK, Home?

Now you have some answers to, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” The next question is, what can you do about it? The first thing you should check is the consistency of the noise. Does it happen all through as the furnace works? Does the noise end after startup? Does it continue after you turn off the furnace? Can you hear other noises?

The answers to these questions will determine what you should do. If the whistling is persistent, accompanies other noises, or continues after you’ve turned off the furnace, that’s your cue to call in an HVAC technician quickly.

Even if the whistling only occurs briefly on startup, it’s probably something you can live with, but one you should still have checked out as soon as possible.

Get Expert Help From Your Local Experts in Owasso, OK?

Are you still wondering, “Why does my furnace whistle when it turns on?” Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can help. We can evaluate your system and provide a thorough report on its state of health.

Call us today to schedule a consultation with the leading name for furnace repair in Owasso, OK, today.

For further reading, check out our post on common causes of overheating AC.