As your furnace switches on and begins to heat your home, it’s typical for it to make some noise. These sounds, including the burners igniting and the blower operating, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.
But there are several things you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps shield you if something huge stops working in your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help our pros discover small issues that could make your furnace annoying. And maybe help you sidestep a meltdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can decrease your probability of furnace meltdowns by up to 95%.
If minor furnace problems go ignored, they may cause trouble in the future. By unearthing these problems sooner, our professionals can get your furnace fixed before heating season is underway.
And most critical, professional 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 heating expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Routinely Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off more than it should. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use additional fuel and make it break down faster.
Our recommendations for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Every month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to install a new filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling When Your Furnace Is Producing Weird Noises
Some furnaces, especially older ones, can 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 Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for furnace repair in Greater Richmond.
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 emit fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is experiencing difficulties discharging this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll require experienced} support for this problem, 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 may mean several things.
Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when turning on? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that built-up gas can create a banging or booming racket when your furnace ultimately} does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, because the built-up gas is igniting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve ignored regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a ring at 804-302-6657. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s operating correctly.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace turns on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s filthy. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents sealed in your home, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these things repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a skilled 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 often seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will create an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It might also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need assistance from an experienced heating and cooling company like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically a symptom that an internal piece is going out. This may be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be a symptom that your burners need to be cleaned.
These problems are usually uncovered during annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC tech. So, while we’re at your house working on repairs, don’t forget to ask us about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may be the result of problems: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition issues. All these issues need pro support.
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 strange sounds, contact us at 804-302-6657 to request an appointment today.