Three Steps to Make Your Furnace More Quiet

11/11/2020

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As your furnace starts up and gets ready to add warmth to your residence, it’s normal for it to make some noise. These sounds, like the burners lighting and the blower whirring, are all part of the usual start-up procedures.

But there are a few things you can do to make your furnace less noisy this winter.

1. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is extremely important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps defend you if something big stops working in your furnace during your warranty range.

It can also help our pros discover minor issues that might make your furnace noisy. And maybe help you prevent a breakdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can lower your likelihood of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.

If little furnace problems go unnoticed, they may cause trouble down the road. By uncovering these problems sooner, our technicians can get your furnace repaired before heating season is underway.

And most critical, specialized 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 utility costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Frequently Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter

Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off more than it should. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional gas and make it wear out faster.

Our advice for replacing your furnace filter:

• Flat filter: Monthly
• Pleated filter: Every three months

You may have to install a new filter more regularly if you have allergies or pets.

3. Call AC Sales When Your Furnace Is Creating Strange Noises

Some furnaces, particularly older ones, may be louder than others. But if you’re detecting very loud or odd noises, it may be time to get in touch with a heating and cooling company like AC Sales for furnace repair in Lafayette.

Here are several noises to be looking for, how to repair them and when to get in touch with a specialist.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they discharge fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is experiencing difficulties draining this water, it can make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need skilled support for this issue, since it might be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.

Furnace Making Banging Noise

It’s not a great thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It could mean several things.

Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when starting? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which leads gas to accumulate inside your furnace.

All that increased gas can cause a banging or booming noise when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, because the increased gas is exploding within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve overlooked regular service for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give AC Sales a shout at (337) 234-2345. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s operating correctly.

Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace turns on, because the metal is expanding and contracting.

We suggest first looking at your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s clogged. Next, make sure you don’t have too many vents shut in your home, as it can force air pressure out of balance.

If neither of these things repair the problem, your ductwork may be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a pro HVAC tech.

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 faltering blower fan motor, which will produce an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It could also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need assistance from a skilled heating and cooling company like AC Sales.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal component is dying. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be a symptom that your burners are dirty.

These troubles are usually uncovered during yearly maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your house performing repairs, don’t forget to check with us about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the future.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

A clicking sound may be the result of issues: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition problems. All these problems need pro help.

At AC Sales, our experts are here to help you unwind in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or producing strange sounds, contact us at (337) 234-2345 to book an appointment today.

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