As your furnace starts up and begins to warm up your residence, it’s normal for it to create some noise. These sounds, such as the burners firing up and the blower operating, are all part of the normal start-up steps.
But there are several approaches you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.
1. Schedule Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, as it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps shield you if something big goes wrong with your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help our professionals uncover minor issues that can make your furnace noisy. And potentially help you sidestep a malfunction on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can lower your probability of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If small furnace troubles go undetected, they can cause an issue in the future. By uncovering these issues in advance, our technicians can get your furnace repaired before heating season begins.
And, most essential, professional 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 utility costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Frequently Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your residence’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use extra gas and make it wear out more rapidly.
Our recommendations for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to get a new filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. When Your Furnace is Making Weird Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, might be louder than others. But if you’re noticing very loud or strange noises, you should get in touch with a heating and cooling company like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for furnace repair in West Jefferson.
Here are several noises to be looking for, how to repair them and when to contact a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they exhaust fumes dissimilarly older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is running into issues draining this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need skilled assistance for this problem, since it could be caused by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a good sign when your furnace is making a banging sound. It may mean a couple of things.
Haven’t had maintenance done lately and your furnace is producing a banging sound when turning on? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that increased gas can cause a banging or booming noise when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, as the accumulated gas is exploding inside your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve neglected annual maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. a ring at 614-879-9091. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s running properly.
Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace switches on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend first looking at your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s clogged. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents shut in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these steps take care of the issue, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for 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 issue. This is most usually seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will make an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It may also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles call for support from a skilled heating and cooling company like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc..
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal piece is worn out. This can be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It could also be a sign that your burners need cleaning.
These problems are often unearthed during annual maintenance provided by a certified HVAC tech. So, while we’re at your home working on repairs, don’t forget to inquire about scheduling your maintenance appointment for next year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound might mean a couple of things: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition troubles. All these problems need specialized support.
At West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., our professionals are here to help you relax in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or producing weird sounds, contact us at 614-879-9091 to schedule an appointment right away.