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, including the burners firing up and the blower running, are all part of the usual start-up process.
But there are several approaches you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Book Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is extremely important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps shield you if something big malfunctions in your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help our pros uncover small troubles that could make your furnace loud. And maybe help you prevent a malfunction on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can lower your probability of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.
If small furnace issues are left ignored, they may cause a breakdown in the future. By discovering these troubles early, our techs can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is underway.
And, most critical, specialized 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 utility expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Frequently Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it becomes too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional gas and make it wear out more quickly.
Our recommendations for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to change your filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning When Your Furnace is Creating Odd Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, might make more noise than others. But if you’re noticing exceedingly loud or weird noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Savage.
Here are a few noises to be on the lookout for, how to take care of them and when to get in touch with a professional.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they discharge fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can produce some moisture. If your furnace is having issues removing this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need professional assistance 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 positive sign when your furnace is making a banging sound. It can mean a couple of things.
Haven’t requested maintenance lately and your furnace is producing a banging sound when turning on? Its burners could be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which leads gas to accumulate inside your furnace.
All that increased gas can cause a banging or booming sound when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than merely a bothersome noise, as the accumulated gas is igniting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten annual tune-ups for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning a ring at 952-373-0377. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s working safely.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace starts, since the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend first looking at your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s clogged. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents shut in your residence, as it can make air pressure uneven.
If neither of these steps fix the problem, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a professional HVAC tech.
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 dying blower fan motor, which will make an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It may also mean there’s trouble with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems call for assistance from an experienced heating and cooling company like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often an indication that an internal part is breaking down. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be a symptom that your burners are dirty.
These troubles are frequently unearthed during regular maintenance provided by a certified HVAC professional. So, while we’re at your home doing repairs, don’t forget to check with us about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound could be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition problems. All these problems call for professional assistance.
At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, our specialists are here to help you unwind in tranquil, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or making strange sounds, contact us at 952-373-0377 to book an appointment right away.