As your furnace turns on and prepares to add warmth to your residence, it’s expected for it to produce some noise. These sounds, like the burners igniting and the blower whirring, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.
But there are a few approaches you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.
1. Book Regular Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is very important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps defend you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty time.
It can also help our professionals uncover little 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 routine maintenance can reduce your chance of furnace meltdowns by up to 95%.
If minor furnace issues go undetected, they may lead to trouble down the road. By uncovering these problems sooner, our pros can get your furnace fixed before heating season is in full swing.
And most important, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving components can help make it more efficient. A well-maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your gas costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your residence’s air fresh and clean. When it gets too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use additional gas and make it stop working faster.
Our recommendations for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Every month
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to replace your filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.
3. Get in Touch with West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services When Your Furnace Is Producing Weird Noises
Some furnaces, often older ones, may make more noise than others. But if you’re detecting extremely loud or strange noises, it may be time to get in touch with a heating and cooling company like West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services for furnace repair in Hudsonville.
Here are several noises to be looking for, how to fix them and when to call a professional.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they emit fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties removing this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need skilled} support for this trouble, since it could be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.
Furnace Making Banging Noise
It’s not a good thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It could mean a few things.
Haven’t requested maintenance recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when beginning? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which results in gas accumulating within your furnace.
All that increased gas can create a banging or booming noise when your furnace ultimately} does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, as the built-up gas is exploding within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re detecting this noise, give West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services a shout at (616) 319-1436. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s operating correctly.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace switches on, since the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first looking at your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents sealed in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these things repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a skilled HVAC specialist.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a flag there’s an electrical problem. This is most frequently seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will make an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It might also mean there’s trouble with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need support from an experienced heating and cooling company like West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal piece is going out. This can be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be a symptom that your burners need to be cleaned.
These problems are frequently uncovered during regular maintenance provided by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your residence performing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound might be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition issues. All these problems need pro help.
At West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services, our pros are here to help you relax in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing odd sounds, contact us at (616) 319-1436 to schedule an appointment now.
