As your furnace switches on and prepares to add warmth to your house, it’s normal for it to make some noise. These sounds, like the burners lighting and the blower running, are all part of the typical start-up procedures.
But there are several steps you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Request Regular Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps protect you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help our pros uncover small problems that could make your furnace annoying. And possibly help you prevent a malfunction on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can reduce your probability of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.
If small furnace issues go unnoticed, they can cause a breakdown later on. By uncovering these problems early, our professionals can get your furnace repaired before heating season is at its peak.
And, most essential, professional 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 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 becomes too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume extra gas and make it stop working more quickly.
Our suggestions for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You may have to replace your filter more often if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Western Mechanical, Inc. When Your Furnace is Producing Weird Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, might make more noise than others. But if you’re detecting exceedingly loud or weird noises, it may be time to get in touch with a heating and cooling company like Western Mechanical, Inc. for furnace repair in Logan.
Here are a few noises to be looking for, how to take care of them and when to call a specialist.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they discharge fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties draining this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want pro support for this problem, since it can be the result of by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a positive indicator when your furnace is making a banging sound. It can mean several things.
Haven’t had maintenance done this year and your furnace is creating a banging sound when starting? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which results in gas accumulating inside your furnace.
All that accumulated gas can create a banging or booming sound when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than merely a bothersome noise, because the built-up gas is erupting inside your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve neglected yearly maintenance for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Western Mechanical, Inc. a shout at 435-753-5515. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s running safely.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace turns on, because the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s clogged. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents shut in your home, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these steps fix 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 problem. This is most often seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will produce an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace begins to heat. It might also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems require assistance from an experienced heating and cooling company like Western Mechanical, Inc..
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often a sign that an internal part is worn out. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It could also be a symptom that your burners are dirty.
These issues are usually caught during annual maintenance done by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house performing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound can be created by things: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition troubles. All these troubles need skilled support.
At Western Mechanical, Inc., our professionals are here to help you relax in tranquil, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or producing weird sounds, contact us at 435-753-5515 to get an appointment now.