As your furnace switches on and begins to heat your residence, it’s common for it to create some noise. These sounds, including the burners firing up and the blower whirring, are all part of the usual start-up steps.
But there are a couple of approaches you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Book Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps defend you if something huge stops working in your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help us uncover little issues that might make your furnace loud. And possibly help you prevent a breakdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can reduce your probability of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If minor furnace troubles go unnoticed, they may cause trouble in the future. By finding these issues sooner, our pros can get your furnace fixed before heating season is in full swing.
And most critical, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving components can help make it more efficient. A well-maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your utility costs, 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 gets too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional gas and make it break down faster.
Our suggestions for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to change your filter more often if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call Northwest Services When Your Furnace Is Producing Odd Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, could be louder than others. But if you’re detecting exceedingly loud or odd noises, it may be time to contact a heating and cooling company like Northwest Services for furnace repair in Swanton.
Here are a couple of noises to be looking for, how to fix them and when to contact a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they emit fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can produce some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties draining this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want skilled} support for this trouble, since it may be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a great thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It can mean several things.
Haven’t requested maintenance recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when beginning? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which leads gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that accumulated gas can make a banging or booming racket when your furnace eventually} does ignite. But this is more than merely an irritating noise, since the accumulated gas is erupting within your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten regular tune-ups for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Northwest Services a ring at 419-548-5017. Our heating pros 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 inspecting your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s dirty. Next, make sure you don’t have too many vents sealed in your residence, as it can make air pressure uneven.
If neither of these steps repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a skilled HVAC specialist.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a sign there’s an electrical issue. This is most often seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will create an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It may also mean there’s trouble with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need support from an experienced heating and cooling company like Northwest Services.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically a symptom that an internal part is going out. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It could also be a symptom that your burners need cleaning.
These problems are typically uncovered during regular maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your home performing repairs, don’t forget to ask us about booking your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound might be the result of issues: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition issues. All these troubles need pro help.
At Northwest Services, our specialists are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or producing odd sounds, contact us at 419-548-5017 to request an appointment today.