As your furnace switches on and prepares to add warmth to your house, 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 procedures.
But there are several approaches you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Book Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps shield you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help us spot little issues that might make your furnace loud. And maybe help you avoid 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 little furnace troubles go undetected, they may cause trouble in the future. By uncovering these issues sooner, our professionals can get your furnace repaired before heating season is in full swing.
And most critical, professional cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving pieces can help make it more efficient. A properly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your gas expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Routinely Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off more than it should. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional energy and make it wear out faster.
Our advice for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Every month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to get a new filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.
3. Contact Classic Air When Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, may make more noise than others. But if you’re detecting very loud or strange noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like Classic Air for furnace repair in Columbus.
Here are several noises to keep an eye out for, how to fix them and when to contact a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they discharge fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties draining this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want pro support for this problem, since it could 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 could mean a couple of things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when turning on? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which results in gas accumulating in your furnace.
All that accumulated gas can create a banging or booming sound when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than merely an irritating noise, because the built-up gas is igniting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve overlooked regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Classic Air a shout at 614-210-3041. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s running correctly.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace switches on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your home, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these steps repair the problem, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will call for assistance from a pro HVAC specialist.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a flag there’s electrical troubles. This is most often seen with a sputtering 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 need help from an experienced heating and cooling company like Classic Air.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often a symptom that an internal piece is breaking down. This may be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be an indication that your burners need cleaning.
These problems are typically uncovered during regular maintenance provided by a certified HVAC professional. So, while we’re at your residence working on repairs, don’t forget to ask us about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound could be the result of problems: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition troubles. All these issues need skilled help.
At Classic Air, our experts are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing odd sounds, contact us at 614-210-3041 to book an appointment today.