As your furnace turns on and prepares to heat your home, it’s expected for it to create some noise. These sounds, such as the burners igniting and the blower whirring, are all part of the normal start-up process.
But there are a couple of approaches you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Book Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is extremely important, as it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps defend you if something big goes wrong with your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help our pros uncover minor problems that might make your furnace noisy. And potentially help you prevent a malfunction on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can lower your probability of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If small furnace issues are left undetected, they could cause a malfunction in the future. By discovering these problems early, our professionals can get your furnace taken care of 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 utility costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Frequently Put in a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional fuel and make it wear out more quickly.
Our recommendations for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You may have to install a new filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Contact Siloam Springs Heating & AC When Your Furnace is Making Odd Noises
Some furnaces, often older ones, can be noisier than others. But if you’re noticing exceedingly loud or odd noises, you should contact a heating and cooling company like Siloam Springs Heating & AC for furnace repair in Siloam Springs.
Here are a few noises to be on the lookout for, how to solve them and when to get in touch with a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they exhaust fumes dissimilarly older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties discharging this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need professional help for this trouble, since it could be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a positive sign when your furnace is making a banging sound. It might mean several things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when turning on? Its burners could be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that increased gas can cause a banging or booming noise when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than only an annoying noise, as the accumulated gas is erupting in your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve ignored regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Siloam Springs Heating & AC a call at 479-308-8176. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s working safely.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace switches on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first checking your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s dirty. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents shut in your house, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these things take care of the issue, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a pro HVAC specialist.
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 often seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will create an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It could also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues require support from a professional heating and cooling company like Siloam Springs Heating & AC.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often an indication that an internal part is worn out. This can be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be a symptom that your burners need cleaning.
These problems are typically uncovered during regular maintenance performed by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your residence doing repairs, don’t forget to ask us about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound might be created by troubles: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition issues. All these problems call for professional help.
At Siloam Springs Heating & AC, our pros are here to help you unwind in quiet, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or creating odd sounds, contact us at 479-308-8176 to book an appointment today.