As your furnace switches on and begins to add warmth to your home, it’s expected for it to produce some noise. These sounds, including the burners firing up and the blower running, are all part of the typical start-up procedures.
But there are a couple of steps you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps defend you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help our professionals uncover small issues that could make your furnace noisy. And possibly help you avoid a malfunction on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can decrease your probability of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If little furnace problems go unnoticed, they may cause trouble in the future. By unearthing these issues sooner, our professionals can get your furnace repaired before heating season is in full swing.
And most important, professional cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving components can help make it more efficient. A correctly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your heating expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Frequently Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it gets 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 energy and make it break down faster.
Our advice for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Every month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to install a new filter more often if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with Woody's Sudden Service When Your Furnace Is Producing Odd Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, can make more noise than others. But if you’re noticing extremely loud or odd noises, you might need to contact a heating and cooling company like Woody's Sudden Service for furnace repair in Manassas.
Here are a couple of noises to be on the lookout for, how to repair them and when to get in touch with a specialist.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise is more common with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they discharge fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties discharging this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want professional} support for this trouble, since it may be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a positive thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It might mean several things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is creating a banging sound when turning on? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which results in gas accumulating in your furnace.
All that accumulated gas can cause a banging or booming racket when your furnace ultimately} does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, since the built-up gas is igniting within your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve neglected regular service for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Woody's Sudden Service a shout at 703-278-2036. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s working correctly.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace switches on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We suggest first looking at your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your residence, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these steps repair the problem, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a skilled HVAC technician.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a flag there’s an electrical issue. This is most often seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will produce an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It may 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 Woody's Sudden Service.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal piece is worn out. This may be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It could also be a symptom that your burners need to be cleaned.
These problems are often uncovered during yearly maintenance done by a certified HVAC tech. So, while we’re at your house working on repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may be the result of problems: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition troubles. All these issues need pro assistance.
At Woody's Sudden Service, our specialists are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing weird sounds, contact us at 703-278-2036 to get an appointment today.