As your furnace switches on and prepares to heat your home, it’s common for it to make some noise. These sounds, including the burners igniting and the blower running, are all part of the normal start-up steps.
But there are several steps you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.
1. Schedule Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps shield you if something big stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help our professionals spot little issues that could make your furnace loud. And maybe help you sidestep a breakdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can lower your chance of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.
If minor furnace problems go ignored, they may lead to trouble down the road. By unearthing these problems sooner, our technicians can get your furnace repaired before heating season is underway.
And most essential, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving parts can help make it more efficient. A properly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your gas expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Frequently Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your residence’s air fresh and clean. When it becomes too filthy, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional energy and make it break down faster.
Our recommendations for installing a new furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to replace your filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call Ilten's When Your Furnace Is Producing Strange Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, might make more noise than others. But if you’re noticing exceedingly loud or odd noises, you might need to get in touch with a heating and cooling company like Ilten's for furnace repair in Cedar Rapids.
Here are a few noises to be on the lookout for, how to solve them and when to contact a professional.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they emit fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties removing this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want professional} support for this issue, since it may 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 several things.
Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is creating a banging sound when turning on? Its burners could be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which causes gas to accumulate inside your furnace.
All that increased gas can cause a banging or booming racket when your furnace eventually} does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, as the built-up gas is erupting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve neglected regular service for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Ilten's a call at 319-208-2351. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s operating correctly.
Your ductwork can also produce banging sounds when your furnace starts, as the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s dirty. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents closed in your home, as it can make air pressure uneven.
If neither of these methods repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will call for assistance from a pro HVAC specialist.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a sign there’s an electrical issue. This is most usually seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will make an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It may also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these issues need support from a professional heating and cooling company like Ilten's.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal piece is breaking down. This can be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It may also be a symptom that your burners are dirty.
These troubles are frequently uncovered during regular maintenance provided by a certified HVAC tech. So, while we’re at your house performing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve problems or ignition issues. All these issues need professional support.
At Ilten's, our professionals are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing odd sounds, contact us at 319-208-2351 to request an appointment right away.