Bedroom Talk

Heater/AC unit making loud grinding noise?

Last night my heater started making this horribly loud grinding noise. I had it on for a little bit today without the noise, but then it all the sudden started doing it. I can't keep it on because it's very loud and it's right next to my neighbor's kid's bedroom. Could it maybe be the ice at the bottom? Is there anything I can do to fix it (or at least try?) It's FREEZING! Please help? I would... except its the middle of the night. Nobody is going to come out in the middle of the night, and in the mean time we're freezing and don't have any space heaters (not to mention we're working on the last fire log, furniture is up next!) It's seriously negative numbers outside, and it's getting down to freezing in here, so I need to hopefully do something tonight.

Public Comments

1. without looking at it, it sounds like a blower motor. call a professional.
2. It does sound like a fan motor..but i would be on the phone with a HVAC company if my family was freezing.
3. It appears to be the bad bearing/bushing in the blower motor. If it is a bearing not much can be done other than repairing/replacing the motor or the bearing. It is a job. If it is a bushing, there is a hope. Remove the access panel to the blower. Look at the place where the shaft comes out of the motor. If you see a small oiling nipple on the motor just behind that point, pour a bit of lubricating oil (or any oil - motor oil will do) into the nipple and turn the fan by hand to spread the oil in the bushing. You may have to do it on both end of the motor. good luck. WARNING: THERE IS HIGH VOLTAGE PRESENT IN THAT AREA. TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE HEATING UNIT AT THE BREAKER PANEL BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY REPAIR. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL.