As your furnace turns on and prepares to heat your home, it’s typical for it to produce some noise. These sounds, such as the burners igniting and the blower running, are all part of the normal start-up steps.
But there are a couple of steps you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Request Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps protect you if something huge stops working in your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help us spot minor issues that can make your furnace noisy. And maybe help you avoid a meltdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can reduce your likelihood of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.
If minor furnace troubles go ignored, they can lead to trouble in the future. By finding these troubles early, our techs can get your furnace repaired before heating season is at its peak.
And, most important, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving components can help make it more efficient. A correctly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your utility expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use extra fuel and make it wear out more rapidly.
Our suggestions for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to replace your filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces When Your Furnace is Making Strange Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, could be louder than others. But if you’re noticing very loud or odd noises, you might need to contact a heating and cooling company like Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces for furnace repair in Alliance.
Here are several noises to keep an eye out for, how to fix them and when to get in touch with a specialist.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they exhaust fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties draining this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll require skilled help for this trouble, since it can be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a positive indicator when your furnace is making a banging sound. It can mean a few things.
Haven’t requested maintenance this year and your furnace is producing a banging sound when starting? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that increased gas can cause a banging or booming sound when your furnace eventually does ignite. But this is more than only an annoying noise, since the built-up gas is exploding inside your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve overlooked annual maintenance for your furnace and you’re detecting this noise, give Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces a ring at 308-321-4703. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s running properly.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace turns on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first checking your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s clogged. Next, make sure you don’t have too many vents sealed in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these things repair the problem, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a professional HVAC tech.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a symptom there’s an electrical problem. This is most frequently seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will make an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It can also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles require assistance from an experienced heating and cooling company like Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically a symptom that an internal component is breaking down. This may be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be a sign that your burners are dirty.
These problems are often unearthed during yearly maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your home working on repairs, don’t forget to ask us about booking your maintenance appointment for next year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound can be created by troubles: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition issues. All these troubles need pro support.
At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, our experts are here to help you relax in quiet, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or creating strange sounds, contact us at 308-321-4703 to book an appointment today.