As your furnace turns on and prepares to warm up your house, it’s normal for it to create some noise. These sounds, such as the burners lighting and the blower running, are all part of the usual start-up steps.

But there are a few approaches you can do to make your furnace run more quietly this winter.

1. Schedule Yearly Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is very important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty valid. This helps protect you if something huge stops working in your furnace during your warranty time.

It can also help our pros uncover little issues that can make your furnace noisy. And possibly help you prevent a meltdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can reduce your chance of furnace repairs by up to 95%.

If little furnace problems go unnoticed, they may cause trouble down the road. By unearthing these problems sooner, our pros can get your furnace repaired before heating season begins.

And most important, professional cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving components can help make it more efficient. A correctly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Routinely Replace 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 frequently. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use additional gas and make it wear out faster.

Our recommendations for replacing your furnace filter:

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

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

3. Contact Central Heating & Plumbing When Your Furnace Is Producing Weird Noises

Some furnaces, particularly older ones, can be noisier than others. But if you’re hearing very loud or strange noises, you should call a heating and cooling company like Central Heating & Plumbing for furnace repair in New Castle.

Here are a few noises to be looking for, how to solve 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 differently than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is experiencing difficulties removing this water, it can make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need pro support for this problem, since it may 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 a couple of things.

Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when starting? Its burners could be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which leads gas to accumulate within your furnace.

All that increased gas can make 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 igniting within your furnace. This can damage your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve forgotten regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Central Heating & Plumbing a ring at 724-401-1843. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s working correctly.

Your ductwork can also create banging sounds when your furnace starts, since the metal is expanding and contracting.

We advise first looking at your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.

If neither of these methods repair the sound, 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 symptom there’s electrical troubles. This is most frequently seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will create a loud 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 a skilled heating and cooling company like Central Heating & Plumbing.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal piece is dying. This may be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It could also be an indication that your burners need to be cleaned.

These problems are often uncovered during regular maintenance performed by a certified HVAC professional. So, while we’re at your residence working on repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

A clicking sound could be the result of things: worn bearings, gas valve problems or ignition problems. All these problems need specialized help.

At Central Heating & Plumbing, our specialists are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing weird sounds, contact us at 724-401-1843 to request an appointment now.