As your furnace turns on and prepares to warm up 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 steps.
But there are several steps you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Book Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps shield you if something huge stops working in your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help us spot little issues that might make your furnace loud. And possibly help you sidestep a meltdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can decrease your likelihood of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.
If minor furnace troubles go undetected, they may lead to trouble down the road. By finding these troubles sooner, our professionals can get your furnace fixed before heating season begins.
And most critical, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving pieces can help make it more efficient. A well-maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your gas bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Replace 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 more than it should. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional gas and make it stop working faster.
Our recommendations for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Every month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You may have to replace your filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Strine's When Your Furnace Is Producing Odd Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, may make more noise than others. But if you’re noticing very loud or weird noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like Strine's for furnace repair in York.
Here are a couple of noises to be on the lookout for, how to repair them and when to get in touch with a professional.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they emit fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can produce some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties removing this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need pro 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 great thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It may mean several things.
Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is creating a banging sound when turning on? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that built-up gas can create a banging or booming noise when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, because the increased gas is erupting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve neglected regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re detecting this noise, give Strine's a ring at 717-383-4479. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s running correctly.
Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace switches on, since the metal is expanding and contracting.
We suggest first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents shut in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these methods repair the sound, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will call for assistance from a pro HVAC technician.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a symptom there’s an electrical issue. This is most usually seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will create an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It may also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need help from an experienced heating and cooling company like Strine's.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s frequently a symptom that an internal component is dying. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It may also be a sign that your burners are dirty.
These problems are frequently uncovered during annual maintenance done by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your home performing 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 problems: worn bearings, gas valve problems or ignition troubles. All these troubles need professional assistance.
At Strine's, our pros are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or producing odd sounds, contact us at 717-383-4479 to request an appointment now.