As your furnace switches on and begins to warm up your residence, it’s typical for it to create some noise. These sounds, like the burners lighting and the blower whirring, are all part of the typical start-up steps.

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

1. Request Yearly Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is very important, as it keeps your manufacturer warranty in place. This helps protect you if something big stops working in your furnace during your warranty range.

It can also help us discover minor issues that could make your furnace noisy. And possibly help you avoid a breakdown on the most frigid day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can reduce your likelihood of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.

If minor furnace problems go ignored, they may lead to trouble down the road. By uncovering these issues sooner, our pros can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is underway.

And most essential, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving pieces can help make it more efficient. A well-maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Regularly Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter

Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it turns too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Known as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional fuel and make it break down faster.

Our recommendations for installing a new furnace filter:

  • Flat filter: Once a month
  • Pleated filter: Every three months

You could have to change your filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.

3. Get in Touch with Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC When Your Furnace Is Making Odd Noises

Some furnaces, particularly older ones, could be noisier than others. But if you’re hearing exceedingly loud or strange noises, you might need to get in touch with a heating and cooling company like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC for furnace repair in Ellsworth.

Here are several noises to keep an eye out for, how to fix them and when to contact a professional.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise is more common with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they emit fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can produce some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties draining this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want professional support for this trouble, 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 scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when turning on? Its burners might be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.

All that accumulated gas can cause a banging or booming noise when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, because the increased 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 neglected regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC a call at 715-318-6728. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s running correctly.

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

We recommend 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 house, as it can force air pressure out of balance.

If neither of these things repair the issue, your ductwork may be dirty or undersized, which will call for assistance from a professional HVAC technician.

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 frequently seen with a sputtering blower fan motor, which will make an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It might also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these problems need support from an experienced heating and cooling company like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal piece is worn out. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It could also be a sign that your burners need cleaning.

These troubles are often uncovered during regular maintenance provided by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your residence doing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

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

At Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC, our experts 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 715-318-6728 to schedule an appointment right away.