As your furnace starts up and begins to add warmth to your residence, it’s normal for it to make some noise. These sounds, such as the burners firing up and the blower whirring, are all part of the typical start-up steps.

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

1. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is highly important, because it keeps your manufacturer warranty ongoing. This helps shield you if something major stops working in your furnace during your warranty period.

It can also help our professionals discover small issues that could make your furnace noisy. And potentially help you prevent a breakdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can decrease your likelihood of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.

If little furnace issues go undetected, they may result in trouble in the future. By unearthing these problems sooner, our technicians can get your furnace taken care of before heating season begins.

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

2. Regularly Put in a New Furnace’s Air Filter

Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it becomes too filthy, 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 suggestions for changing your furnace filter:

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

You might have to install a new filter more often if you have allergies or pets.

3. Contact H&C Heating and Cooling When Your Furnace Is Making Weird Noises

Some furnaces, particularly older ones, might be noisier than others. But if you’re noticing very loud or odd noises, you might need to contact a heating and cooling company like H&C Heating and Cooling for furnace repair in Laurel.

Here are a few noises to be on the lookout for, how to solve them and when to contact a pro.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise occurs more commonly with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they emit fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties draining this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll require professional 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 positive thing when your furnace is making a banging sound. It might mean a few things.

Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is creating a banging sound when beginning? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which causes gas to accumulate within your furnace.

All that increased gas can make a banging or booming sound when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than just an irritating noise, as the built-up gas is erupting within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and create a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve forgotten regular service for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give H&C Heating and Cooling a ring at 301-960-3247. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and ensure it’s operating correctly.

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

We suggest first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s dirty. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents sealed in your home, as it can make air pressure uneven.

If neither of these things repair the issue, your ductwork might 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 flag there’s an electrical problem. This is most usually seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will make 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 problems need assistance from a skilled heating and cooling company like H&C Heating and Cooling.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s usually a symptom that an internal component is worn out. This might 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 typically uncovered during annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your home doing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the upcoming year.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

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

At H&C Heating and Cooling, our experts are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it usually is or producing weird sounds, contact us at 301-960-3247 to request an appointment now.