As your furnace switches on and prepares to warm up your house, it’s common for it to produce some noise. These sounds, including the burners lighting and the blower operating, are all part of the normal start-up steps.

But there are a couple of approaches you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.

1. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps protect you if something huge stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.

It can also help our professionals spot little issues that could make your furnace loud. And potentially help you avoid a breakdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can lower your likelihood of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.

If small furnace problems go unnoticed, they may result in trouble later on. By discovering these problems sooner, our techs can get your furnace fixed before heating season begins.

And most critical, specialized 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 utility expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Frequently Change Your 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 energy and make it wear out faster.

Our advice for installing a new furnace filter:

  • Flat filter: Every month
  • Pleated filter: Every three months

You could have to replace your filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.

3. Call Strine's When Your Furnace Is Making Odd Noises

Some furnaces, often older ones, can make more noise than others. But if you’re hearing exceedingly loud or strange noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like Strine's for furnace repair in York.

Here are a few noises to be on the lookout for, how to take care of them and when to contact a professional.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they discharge fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is experiencing difficulties removing this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need pro} support 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 a few things.

Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when starting? Its burners could be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which leads gas to accumulate inside your furnace.

All that built-up gas can cause a banging or booming sound when your furnace ultimately} does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, because the increased gas is exploding within your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve overlooked regular service 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 make banging sounds when your furnace turns on, because the metal is expanding and contracting.

We recommend first checking your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s dirty. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.

If neither of these steps repair the issue, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a skilled HVAC technician.

Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise

If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a flag there’s electrical troubles. This is most frequently seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will create a loud buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It could also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems need help from a professional heating and cooling company like Strine's.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal component is dying. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be a symptom that your burners are dirty.

These issues are usually uncovered during annual maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your residence doing repairs, don’t forget to check with us about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

A clicking sound might be the result of things: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition problems. All these troubles need specialized help.

At Strine's, our professionals 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 book an appointment now.