As your furnace turns on and prepares to add warmth to your home, it’s typical for it to produce some noise. These sounds, including the burners firing up and the blower whirring, are all part of the typical start-up process.

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

1. Request Yearly Furnace Maintenance

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

It can also help us discover little issues that might make your furnace noisy. And possibly help you avoid a meltdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can lower your probability of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.

If little furnace troubles go ignored, they may lead to trouble later on. By discovering these problems sooner, our pros can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is underway.

And most critical, pro 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 gas costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Regularly Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter

Your air filter helps keep your house’s air fresh and clean. When it becomes too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off too frequently. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to consume additional fuel and make it wear out faster.

Our suggestions for changing your furnace filter:

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

You might have to replace your filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.

3. Call 249 Air When Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises

Some furnaces, especially older ones, may be louder than others. But if you’re hearing exceedingly loud or strange noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like 249 Air for furnace repair in Houston.

Here are several noises to be on the lookout for, how to take care of them and when to contact a pro.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s because they discharge fumes dissimilarly than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties draining this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll require experienced support for this problem, since it can be created by a blocked drain pipe or clogged drain pan.

Furnace Making Banging Noise

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

Haven’t had maintenance done 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 in your furnace.

All that built-up gas can cause a banging or booming racket when your furnace ultimately does ignite. But this is more than only an irritating noise, since the built-up gas is erupting within your furnace. This can crack your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve neglected regular service for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give 249 Air a ring at 832-263-1969. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s operating correctly.

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

We advise first checking your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s dirty. Next, double-check 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 could be dirty or undersized, which will be a need for assistance from a pro 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 often seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will create an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace turns on. It can also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need support from a professional heating and cooling company like 249 Air.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s typically a symptom that an internal component is dying. This could be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It can also be a sign that your burners need cleaning.

These issues are often uncovered during annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house performing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for next year.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

A clicking sound could be the result of troubles: worn bearings, gas valve issues or ignition troubles. All these troubles need specialized assistance.

At 249 Air, our experts are here to help you relax in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing strange sounds, contact us at 832-263-1969 to get an appointment today.