As your furnace switches on and begins to warm up your residence, it’s expected for it to produce some noise. These sounds, including the burners firing up and the blower whirring, are all part of the typical start-up process.
But there are a couple of approaches you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Request Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps shield you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help our professionals find little issues that might make your furnace loud. And potentially help you prevent a meltdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can reduce your chance of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.
If minor furnace issues go ignored, they may lead to trouble in the future. By finding these issues sooner, our professionals can get your furnace fixed before heating season is at its peak.
And most essential, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving pieces can help make it more efficient. A well-maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Frequently Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it gets too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off more than it should. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional fuel and make it break down faster.
Our recommendations for installing a new furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to change your filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Contact Heartland Heating & Cooling When Your Furnace Is Producing Weird Noises
Some furnaces, often older ones, could be noisier than others. But if you’re noticing exceedingly loud or strange noises, you should call a heating and cooling company like Heartland Heating & Cooling for furnace repair in Des Moines.
Here are several noises to keep an eye out for, how to solve them and when to call a pro.
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 make some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties discharging this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll require experienced support for this issue, 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 could mean a few things.
Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when beginning? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which leads gas to accumulate inside your furnace.
All that built-up gas can create a banging or booming noise when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, because the built-up gas is exploding within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve ignored regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re detecting this noise, give Heartland Heating & Cooling a shout at 515-344-3579. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s working correctly.
Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace switches on, because the metal is expanding and contracting.
We suggest first checking your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s clogged. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your residence, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these steps repair the problem, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a pro HVAC specialist.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a sign there’s an electrical issue. This is most usually seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will produce a loud buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It might also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need help from an experienced heating and cooling company like Heartland Heating & Cooling.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically a symptom that an internal component is going 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 issues are frequently uncovered during regular maintenance done by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house performing repairs, don’t forget to check with us about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound can be the result of problems: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition issues. All these troubles need pro help.
At Heartland Heating & Cooling, our pros are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing strange sounds, contact us at 515-344-3579 to request an appointment today.