As your furnace switches on and begins to warm up your home, it’s normal for it to produce some noise. These sounds, including the burners igniting and the blower operating, are all part of the usual start-up steps.
But there are a couple of approaches you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.
1. Book Regular Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is highly important, since it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps protect you if something big goes wrong with your furnace during your warranty period.
It can also help us spot little problems that might make your furnace loud. And potentially help you avoid a meltdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can reduce your probability of furnace repairs by up to 95%.
If small furnace issues are left ignored, they could lead to a breakdown in the future. By finding these issues sooner, our professionals can get your furnace fixed before heating season begins.
And, most important, professional 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 energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Regularly Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to eat up additional fuel and make it wear out more quickly.
Our advice for replacing your furnace filter:
- Flat filter: Monthly
- Pleated filter: Every three months
You might have to install a new filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.
3. Call Contra Costa Heating & AC When Your Furnace is Creating Weird Noises
Some furnaces, particularly older ones, can make more noise than others. But if you’re detecting extremely loud or weird noises, it may be time to get in touch with a heating and cooling company like Contra Costa Heating & AC for furnace repair in the Bay Area.
Here are several noises to keep an eye out for, how to take care of them and when to call a professional.
Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they exhaust fumes dissimilarly older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is having issues draining this water, it can make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need professional assistance for this issue, since it can be caused 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 could mean several things.
Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when beginning? Its burners could be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.
All that built-up gas can create a banging or booming sound when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than merely an irritating noise, since the increased gas is erupting in your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and cause a deadly carbon monoxide leak.
If you’ve forgotten annual maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Contra Costa Heating & AC a call at 510-343-9841. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s working properly.
Your ductwork can also make banging sounds when your furnace turns on, because the metal is expanding and contracting.
We advise first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s dirty. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your residence, as it can throw off air pressure.
If neither of these steps repair the problem, your ductwork may be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a professional HVAC technician.
Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise
If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a symptom there’s an electrical issue. This is most frequently seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will make an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It might also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems need help from an experienced heating and cooling company like Contra Costa Heating & AC.
Furnace Making Knocking Noise
If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s frequently a symptom that an internal part is breaking down. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It might also be an indication that your burners need cleaning.
These issues are often unearthed during yearly maintenance performed by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your residence doing repairs, don’t forget to ask us about requesting your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.
Furnace Making Clicking Noise
A clicking sound may mean a couple of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve troubles or ignition issues. All these problems require pro assistance.
At Contra Costa Heating & AC, our specialists are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or making weird sounds, contact us at 510-343-9841 to schedule an appointment today.