As your furnace switches on and prepares to warm up your residence, it’s normal for it to make some noise. These sounds, including the burners igniting and the blower running, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.
But there are several approaches you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.
1. Book Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, as it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps protect you if something big malfunctions in your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help us spot small issues that can make your furnace noisy. And possibly help you sidestep a breakdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can reduce your chance of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.
If small furnace problems keep on being undetected, they can result in a breakdown down the road. By unearthing these problems sooner, our technicians can get your furnace fixed before heating season begins.
And, most critical, specialized cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving parts can help make it more efficient. A properly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your heating expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Routinely Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it gets too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume extra gas and make it stop working faster.
Our advice 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. Call B & G HVAC When Your Furnace is Producing Weird Noises
Some furnaces, often older ones, can be noisier than others. But if you’re detecting extremely loud or strange noises, you should call a heating and cooling company like B & G HVAC for furnace repair in Marshalltown.
Here are a couple of noises to be looking for, how to solve them and when to get in touch with a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they discharge fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is experiencing difficulties discharging this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want pro help for this trouble, since it may be caused 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 may mean a few things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when turning on? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which causes gas to accumulate inside your furnace.
All that increased gas can create a banging or booming sound when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, since the increased gas is exploding within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten annual maintenance for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give B & G HVAC a call at 641-316-3360. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s operating accurately.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace starts, since the metal is expanding and contracting.
We suggest first looking at your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s clogged. Next, make sure you don’t have too many vents sealed in your residence, 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 pro 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 usually seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will create a loud buzzing noise when your furnace begins to heat. It might also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems need assistance from an experienced heating and cooling company like B & G HVAC.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often a symptom that an internal component is worn out. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be an indication that your burners need cleaning.
These problems are frequently unearthed during regular maintenance provided by a certified HVAC tech. So, while we’re at your residence working on repairs, don’t forget to ask us about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may be created by problems: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition troubles. All these troubles call for skilled support.
At B & G HVAC, our professionals are here to help you relax in tranquil, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or creating weird sounds, contact us at 641-316-3360 to request an appointment today.