As your furnace switches on and gets ready to add warmth to your residence, it’s common for it to make some noise. These sounds, such as the burners lighting and the blower operating, are all part of the typical 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 highly important, because 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 small issues that can make your furnace annoying. And potentially help you prevent a breakdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can decrease your probability of furnace repairs by up to 95%.

If small furnace troubles go ignored, they may cause trouble in the future. By uncovering these issues sooner, our techs can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is underway.

And most essential, 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 expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Regularly Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter

Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it gets too filthy, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional fuel and make it break down faster.

Our suggestions for replacing your furnace filter:

  • Flat filter: Every month
  • Pleated filter: Every three months

You could have to install a new filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.

3. Call Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning When Your Furnace Is Making Weird Noises

Some furnaces, particularly older ones, may be noisier than others. But if you’re detecting exceedingly loud or strange noises, it may be time to contact a heating and cooling company like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Savage.

Here are a few noises to be looking for, how to take care of them and when to contact a professional.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they emit fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties draining this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want skilled 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 great thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It may 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 results in gas accumulating within your furnace.

All that increased gas can cause a banging or booming sound when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, as the increased gas is erupting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a deadly carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve overlooked regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning a ring at 952-373-0377. 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 checking your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s filthy. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents shut in your residence, as it can force air pressure out of balance.

If neither of these steps repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a pro HVAC technician.

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 frequently seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will produce an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It can also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need support from a professional heating and cooling company like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal component is breaking down. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be a symptom that your burners need cleaning.

These troubles are typically uncovered during annual maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your home working on repairs, don’t forget to ask us about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

A clicking sound might be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve problems or ignition problems. All these troubles need skilled help.

At Gopher Heating and 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 952-373-0377 to book an appointment right away.