As your furnace switches on and gets ready to heat your home, it’s expected for it to produce some noise. These sounds, such as the burners igniting and the blower whirring, are all part of the normal start-up procedures.
But there are several steps you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.
1. Book Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps defend you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help our professionals spot small issues that could make your furnace loud. And maybe help you sidestep a meltdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can decrease your probability of furnace meltdowns by up to 95%.
If small furnace issues go unnoticed, they may result in trouble in the future. By finding 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 energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Change Your 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 often. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional gas and make it stop working faster.
Our recommendations for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to install a new filter more frequently 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 noisier than others. But if you’re noticing exceedingly loud or strange noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for furnace repair in West Jefferson.
Here are a few noises to be looking for, how to fix them and when to call a specialist.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they exhaust fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can produce some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties draining this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll require professional} support for this issue, since it might be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a positive thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It might mean several things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when turning on? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which causes gas to accumulate in your furnace.
All that built-up gas can create a banging or booming sound when your furnace eventually} does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, as the built-up gas is erupting within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. a shout at 614-879-9091. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s operating correctly.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace turns on, since the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s clogged. 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 methods repair the problem, your ductwork might 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 usually seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will produce an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It could also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need assistance from a professional heating and cooling company like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc..
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s frequently a symptom that an internal part is dying. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be a symptom that your burners need to be cleaned.
These issues are often uncovered during yearly maintenance performed by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your residence performing repairs, don’t forget to ask us about scheduling your maintenance appointment for next year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound can be the result of things: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition problems. All these troubles need professional assistance.
At West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., our experts are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing strange sounds, contact us at 614-879-9091 to request an appointment today.