As your furnace turns on and prepares to add warmth to your residence, it’s typical for it to produce some noise. These sounds, such as the burners igniting and the blower whirring, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.
But there are several approaches you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Book Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps protect you if something big malfunctions in your furnace during your warranty range.
It can also help our professionals find little problems that might make your furnace annoying. And potentially help you prevent a breakdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can reduce your likelihood of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.
If small furnace troubles are left undetected, they could lead to a malfunction later on. By discovering these problems early, our pros can get your furnace repaired before heating season begins.
And, most important, 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 heating costs, 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 filthy, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional energy and make it wear out more rapidly.
Our suggestions for changing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Every month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You could have to replace your filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. When Your Furnace is Producing Weird Noises
Some furnaces, especially older ones, can be noisier than others. But if you’re noticing exceedingly loud or weird noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for furnace repair in Lake Forest.
Here are a couple of noises to keep an eye out for, how to fix them and when to get in touch with a professional.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise is more common with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they emit fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is running into issues discharging this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need professional help for this problem, since it could be the result of 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 a few things.
Haven’t scheduled maintenance this year and your furnace is making a banging sound when starting? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which results in gas accumulating within your furnace.
All that increased gas can make a banging or booming sound when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than merely an annoying noise, because the accumulated gas is igniting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve ignored yearly maintenance for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. a shout at 949-204-0859. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s working safely.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace switches on, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise 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 throw off air pressure.
If neither of these steps fix the problem, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will require 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 often seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will make an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace begins to heat. It could also mean there’s trouble with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems require support from a professional heating and cooling company like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc..
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s frequently an indication 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 are dirty.
These troubles are frequently caught during yearly maintenance done by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your residence working on repairs, don’t forget to inquire about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound might mean a couple of problems: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition problems. All these troubles call for professional help.
At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., our pros are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or creating weird sounds, contact us at 949-204-0859 to schedule an appointment right away.