As your furnace switches on and begins to heat your house, it’s typical for it to create some noise. These sounds, including the burners firing up and the blower running, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.
But there are a couple of things you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps defend you if something big stops working in your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help us spot little issues that could make your furnace noisy. And maybe help you prevent a breakdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can reduce your chance of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If minor furnace problems go unnoticed, they may result in trouble down the road. By uncovering these problems sooner, our professionals can get your furnace fixed before heating season is at its peak.
And most important, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving parts can help make it more efficient. A correctly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your gas bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Put in a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it gets too filthy, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional fuel and make it break down faster.
Our suggestions for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to get a new filter more often if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling When Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises
Some furnaces, often older ones, could be noisier than others. But if you’re hearing very loud or weird noises, you should call a heating and cooling company like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for furnace repair in Greater Richmond.
Here are several noises to keep an eye out for, how to repair them and when to call a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they discharge fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties discharging this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll require pro support for this issue, since it may be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a good thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It might mean a few things.
Haven’t requested maintenance recently and your furnace is creating a banging sound when starting? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which leads gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that increased gas can create a banging or booming racket when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, since the built-up gas is igniting within your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve neglected regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a shout at 804-302-6657. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s operating correctly.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace switches on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s dirty. Next, make sure you don’t have too many vents sealed in your residence, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these things repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a professional HVAC specialist.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a sign there’s an electrical problem. This is most usually seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will create an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace begins to heat. It can also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems need support from a professional heating and cooling company like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s frequently a symptom that an internal piece 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 are dirty.
These troubles are typically uncovered during annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house working on repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound can be the result of problems: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition troubles. All these problems need specialized help.
At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our specialists are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing odd sounds, contact us at 804-302-6657 to schedule an appointment right away.