As your furnace starts up and gets ready to warm up your home, it’s common for it to create some noise. These sounds, such as the burners firing up and the blower running, are all part of the typical start-up process.
But there are a couple of things you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Request Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps defend you if something major malfunctions in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help us uncover minor issues that might make your furnace noisy. And maybe help you avoid a breakdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can decrease your probability of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If minor furnace issues go undetected, they might result in a malfunction in the future. By unearthing these problems early, our pros can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is at its peak.
And, most critical, specialized 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 expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Routinely Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your residence’s air fresh and clean. When it gets 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 more energy and make it stop working faster.
Our advice for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to change your filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.
3. Contact County Line Mechanical LLC When Your Furnace is Creating Weird Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, could be noisier than others. But if you’re detecting very loud or weird noises, you should get in touch with a heating and cooling company like County Line Mechanical LLC for furnace repair in Reinholds.
Here are a couple of noises to be looking for, how to fix them and when to contact a pro.
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 create some moisture. If your furnace is experiencing difficulties removing this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need pro 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 good thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It can mean several things.
Haven’t requested maintenance lately and your furnace is producing a banging sound when turning on? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which leads gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that built-up gas can make a banging or booming sound when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than merely a bothersome noise, since the accumulated gas is igniting in your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give County Line Mechanical LLC a ring at 717-216-0846. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s operating safely.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace starts, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s dirty. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your house, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these methods take care of the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a professional 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 often seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will make a loud buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It could also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles require assistance from a skilled heating and cooling company like County Line Mechanical LLC.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically an indication that an internal part is worn out. This can be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be a sign that your burners need cleaning.
These issues are frequently unearthed during annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house doing repairs, don’t forget to check with us about requesting your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition issues. All these troubles call for specialized help.
At County Line Mechanical LLC, our pros are here to help you unwind in quiet, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or making weird sounds, contact us at 717-216-0846 to get an appointment now.