As your furnace switches on and begins to warm up your residence, it’s expected for it to create some noise. These sounds, such as the burners firing up and the blower running, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.
But there are a couple of approaches you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps protect you if something big stops working in your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help us discover small issues that can make your furnace annoying. And potentially help you prevent a malfunction on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can lower your likelihood of furnace meltdowns by up to 95%.
If little furnace troubles go unnoticed, they may lead to trouble in the future. By discovering these issues sooner, our professionals can get your furnace fixed before heating season is in full swing.
And most essential, pro 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 utility expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it gets 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 energy and make it wear out faster.
Our suggestions for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Every month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to install a new filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating When Your Furnace Is Making Odd Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, may be louder than others. But if you’re detecting extremely loud or strange noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating for furnace repair in Pella.
Here are a couple of noises to be looking for, how to take care of 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 due to the fact they exhaust fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is experiencing difficulties removing this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want experienced support for this issue, since it might be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a great thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It can mean several things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is creating a banging sound when starting? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which leads gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that increased gas can make a banging or booming noise when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, since the built-up gas is exploding within your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten regular tune-ups for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating a ring at 641-628-3621. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s running correctly.
Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace switches on, because the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend first looking at your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s clogged. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents shut in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these steps repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a skilled 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 usually seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will make an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It can also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need support from an experienced heating and cooling company like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often a symptom that an internal part is dying. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It may also be an indication that your burners need cleaning.
These troubles are often uncovered during yearly maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your home doing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition issues. All these troubles need pro help.
At Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating, our professionals are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing weird sounds, contact us at 641-628-3621 to get an appointment now.
