As your furnace switches on and prepares to heat your home, it’s common for it to produce some noise. These sounds, such as the burners firing up and the blower operating, are all part of the normal start-up process.
But there are a couple of things you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Request Regular Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps defend you if something big goes wrong with your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help our professionals find small issues that could make your furnace noisy. And potentially help you avoid a breakdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can decrease your chance of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If minor furnace troubles go undetected, they might lead to a malfunction in the future. By finding these issues sooner, our technicians can get your furnace fixed before heating season is underway.
And, most important, pro 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 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 turns too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use additional gas and make it wear out faster.
Our advice for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to install a new filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with J & J Air Conditioning When Your Furnace is Creating Strange Noises
Some furnaces, especially older ones, could be louder than others. But if you’re detecting exceedingly loud or weird noises, you should call a heating and cooling company like J & J Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Eastland.
Here are a few noises to be looking for, how to fix them and when to contact a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise is more common with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they exhaust fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties discharging this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want pro assistance for this issue, since it may be the result of by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a great sign when your furnace is making a banging sound. It might mean several things.
Haven’t had maintenance done this year and your furnace is making a banging sound when starting? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which leads gas to accumulate in your furnace.
All that increased gas can create a banging or booming sound when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, since the accumulated gas is igniting in your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten regular tune-ups for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give J & J Air Conditioning a shout at 254-355-3833. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s operating safely.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace switches on, since the metal is expanding and contracting.
We recommend 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 home, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these steps fix the issue, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for 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 electrical troubles. This is most frequently seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will make an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It may also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles call for help from a professional heating and cooling company like J & J Air Conditioning.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually an indication that an internal piece is going out. This can be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be an indication that your burners need to be cleaned.
These problems are usually unearthed during annual maintenance provided by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house doing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may mean a couple of problems: worn bearings, gas valve problems or ignition troubles. All these issues call for specialized assistance.
At J & J Air Conditioning, our specialists are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing strange sounds, contact us at 254-355-3833 to request an appointment now.