As your furnace turns on and gets ready to add warmth to your home, it’s expected for it to make some noise. These sounds, such as the burners igniting and the blower operating, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.
But there are a couple of things you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.
1. Request Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, as it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps protect you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help us uncover little issues that might make your furnace noisy. And potentially help you sidestep a meltdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can lower your likelihood of furnace meltdowns by up to 95%.
If minor furnace problems go ignored, they may result in trouble down the road. By unearthing these troubles sooner, our technicians can get your furnace fixed before heating season is at its peak.
And most important, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving pieces can help make it more efficient. A well-maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your residence’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too filthy, it can make your furnace turn on and off more than it should. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional gas and make it stop working faster.
Our advice for installing a new furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You may have to get a new filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning When Your Furnace Is Making Odd Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, can be louder than others. But if you’re hearing extremely loud or weird noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Thedford.
Here are a couple of noises to keep an eye out for, how to repair them and when to contact 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 removing this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need professional support for this issue, since it can be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a positive thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It might mean a couple of things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when beginning? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which leads gas to accumulate in your furnace.
All that built-up gas can cause a banging or booming noise when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, as the accumulated gas is igniting within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve overlooked regular service for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning a ring at 519-296-4437. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s operating correctly.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace starts, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend first looking at your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these methods repair the issue, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will call for assistance from a pro HVAC technician.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a symptom there’s electrical troubles. This is most frequently seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will create a loud buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It can also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need support from an experienced heating and cooling company like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often a symptom that an internal component is dying. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be a sign that your burners need cleaning.
These problems are usually uncovered during yearly maintenance done by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house working on repairs, don’t forget to check with us about booking your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound might be the result of problems: worn bearings, gas valve problems or ignition troubles. All these issues need pro help.
At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, our pros are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or producing strange sounds, contact us at 519-296-4437 to get an appointment today.