As your furnace switches on and prepares to heat your residence, it’s normal for it to produce some noise. These sounds, such as the burners lighting and the blower whirring, are all part of the usual start-up process.

But there are several approaches you can do to make your furnace quieter this winter.

1. Request Annual Furnace Maintenance

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

It can also help our pros discover small issues that can make your furnace annoying. And maybe help you sidestep a meltdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that annual maintenance can lower your chance of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.

If small furnace troubles go undetected, they may cause trouble down the road. By uncovering these problems sooner, our pros can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is in full swing.

And most important, pro cleaning and lubrication of your furnace’s moving pieces 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 Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter

Your air filter helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. When it becomes too clogged, it can make your furnace turn on and off too often. Referred to as short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use additional gas and make it wear out faster.

Our advice for changing your furnace filter:

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

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

3. Get in Touch with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling When Your Furnace Is Creating Weird Noises

Some furnaces, often older ones, can be louder than others. But if you’re noticing very loud or odd noises, it may be time to call a heating and cooling company like Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling for furnace repair in Athol.

Here are a couple of noises to keep an eye out for, how to take care of them and when to contact a pro.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise is more common with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s due to the fact they emit fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties discharging this water, it may make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need skilled 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 can mean several things.

Haven’t scheduled maintenance recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when beginning? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can stall ignition, which results in gas accumulating in your furnace.

All that built-up gas can make a banging or booming racket when your furnace finally does ignite. But this is more than merely 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 forgotten regular maintenance for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling a call at 208-561-1226. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s operating correctly.

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

We suggest first inspecting your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents shut in your home, as it can force air pressure out of balance.

If neither of these methods repair the sound, your ductwork could be dirty or undersized, which will call for assistance from a skilled 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 usually seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will produce an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace starts. It may 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 Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling.

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 can also be a symptom that your burners need to be cleaned.

These troubles are frequently uncovered during annual maintenance done by a certified HVAC pro. So, while we’re at your house performing repairs, don’t forget to inquire about booking your maintenance appointment for the future.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

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

At Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling, our pros are here to help you relax in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than it typically is or producing odd sounds, contact us at 208-561-1226 to book an appointment now.