As your furnace starts up and begins to warm up your residence, it’s common for it to create some noise. These sounds, such as the burners firing up and the blower operating, are all part of the normal start-up steps.
But there are a few things you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.
1. Request Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps defend you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help our pros spot small troubles that might make your furnace loud. And maybe help you avoid a breakdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can decrease your likelihood of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.
If little furnace problems are left unnoticed, they could cause a malfunction down the road. By unearthing these problems early, our technicians can get your furnace fixed before heating season is at its peak.
And, most essential, professional 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 gas bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Put in a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your residence’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional energy and make it stop working more rapidly.
Our advice for installing a new furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Once a month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to replace your filter more often if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning When Your Furnace is Making Odd Noises
Some furnaces, especially older ones, can be louder than others. But if you’re detecting exceedingly loud or strange noises, you might need to call a heating and cooling company like Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Lodi.
Here are a couple of noises to be on the lookout for, how to repair them and when to contact a pro.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they discharge fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can produce some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties removing this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want pro 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 indicator when your furnace is making a banging sound. It can mean a couple of things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when beginning? Its burners could be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which causes gas to accumulate inside your furnace.
All that increased gas can make a banging or booming sound when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, since the built-up gas is exploding within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve overlooked yearly maintenance for your furnace and you’re detecting this noise, give Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning a ring at 209-257-3156. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s operating safely.
Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace starts, because the metal is expanding and contracting.
We suggest first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s dirty. Next, make sure you don’t have too many vents sealed in your home, as it can force air pressure out of balance.
If neither of these methods repair the issue, your ductwork may 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 flag there’s electrical troubles. This is most frequently seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will make an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace begins to heat. It could 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 Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often a symptom that an internal component is worn out. This can be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be an indication that your burners need to be cleaned.
These troubles are frequently uncovered during annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC tech. So, while we’re at your residence performing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound can mean a couple of problems: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition problems. All these troubles require specialized help.
At Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning, our experts are here to help you unwind in tranquil, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or creating weird sounds, contact us at 209-257-3156 to schedule an appointment today.