As your furnace starts up and prepares to heat your residence, it’s common for it to make some noise. These sounds, like the burners firing up and the blower running, are all part of the usual start-up steps.
But there are several steps you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Request Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is extremely important, as it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps shield you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help our pros discover little issues that can make your furnace loud. And potentially help you sidestep a malfunction on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can decrease your chance of furnace meltdowns by up to 95%.
If minor furnace problems go undetected, they may cause trouble later on. By discovering these issues sooner, our technicians can get your furnace fixed before heating season is in full swing.
And most essential, specialized cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving parts can help make it more efficient. A well-maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your gas expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Routinely Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too filthy, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional fuel and make it break down faster.
Our advice for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You may have to install a new filter more often if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call Stieferman Heating Company Inc When Your Furnace Is Producing Strange Noises
Some furnaces, especially older ones, may be louder than others. But if you’re hearing exceedingly loud or strange noises, you might need to call a heating and cooling company like Stieferman Heating Company Inc for furnace repair in Jefferson City.
Here are a few noises to keep an eye out for, how to fix them and when to call a specialist.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise is more common with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they emit fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can produce some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties draining this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want skilled support for this problem, since it could 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 may mean a few things.
Haven’t requested maintenance recently and your furnace is creating a banging sound when starting? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which causes gas to accumulate in your furnace.
All that increased gas can make a banging or booming noise when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, since the built-up gas is erupting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten regular service for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Stieferman Heating Company Inc a ring at 573-635-3547. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s running correctly.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace turns on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend first looking at your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s clogged. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents sealed in your residence, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these methods repair the problem, your ductwork may be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a professional HVAC tech.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a symptom there’s an electrical problem. This is most often seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will create an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace begins to heat. It could also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need support from a professional heating and cooling company like Stieferman Heating Company Inc.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically a symptom that an internal part is worn out. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be a symptom that your burners need cleaning.
These troubles are typically uncovered during yearly maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your house doing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound could be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition problems. All these issues need specialized help.
At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, our pros are here to help you relax in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing weird sounds, contact us at 573-635-3547 to request an appointment today.