As your furnace switches on and begins to add warmth to your home, it’s typical for it to make some noise. These sounds, like the burners firing up and the blower operating, are all part of the normal start-up process.
But there are a few approaches you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.
1. Request Regular Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps defend you if something huge stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help our professionals spot minor issues that could make your furnace loud. And possibly help you sidestep a breakdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can decrease your likelihood of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.
If little furnace problems go undetected, they may lead to trouble later on. By finding these issues sooner, our pros can get your furnace repaired before heating season is underway.
And most critical, specialized cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving components can help make it more efficient. A properly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Put in a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it becomes too filthy, it can make your furnace turn on and off more than it should. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use additional gas and make it wear out faster.
Our advice for installing a new furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to install a new filter more often if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call Air Alliance Team When Your Furnace Is Producing Weird Noises
Some furnaces, especially older ones, may be louder than others. But if you’re noticing extremely loud or weird noises, you should get in touch with a heating and cooling company like Air Alliance Team for furnace repair in Ballwin and St. Charles.
Here are a few noises to keep an eye out for, how to take care of them and when to call a specialist.
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 produce some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties removing this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need professional} support for this trouble, 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 may mean a couple of things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when beginning? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which leads gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that increased gas can make a banging or booming noise when your furnace finally} does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, because the built-up gas is igniting within your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve ignored regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re detecting this noise, give Air Alliance Team a shout at 636-206-4584. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s operating correctly.
Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace switches on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We suggest 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 residence, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these methods repair the issue, your ductwork may be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a skilled HVAC technician.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a sign there’s electrical troubles. This is most often seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will create an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It might also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need help from an experienced heating and cooling company like Air Alliance Team.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically a symptom that an internal piece is dying. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It may also be an indication that your burners need cleaning.
These troubles are typically uncovered during annual maintenance provided by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your residence doing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about requesting your maintenance appointment for next year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition problems. All these problems need specialized help.
At Air Alliance Team, our experts are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing odd sounds, contact us at 636-206-4584 to get an appointment today.