As your furnace turns on and prepares to heat your residence, it’s normal for it to make some noise. These sounds, such as the burners firing up and the blower running, are all part of the typical start-up process.

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

1. Request Regular Furnace Maintenance

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

It can also help our pros spot small issues that could make your furnace loud. And maybe help you sidestep a breakdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can lower your chance of furnace malfunctions by up to 95%.

If little furnace problems go undetected, they may lead to trouble down the road. By unearthing these issues sooner, our professionals can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is at its peak.

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

2. Frequently Install a New Furnace’s Air Filter

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

Our advice for installing a new furnace filter:

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

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

3. Call J.L. Brady Company LLC When Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises

Some furnaces, especially older ones, might make more noise than others. But if you’re detecting extremely loud or strange noises, you should call a heating and cooling company like J.L. Brady Company LLC for furnace repair in Moline.

Here are several noises to be looking for, how to take care of them and when to get in touch with a specialist.

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 make some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties discharging this water, it could make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need skilled support for this trouble, since it might 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 may mean a couple of things.

Haven’t had maintenance done recently and your furnace is making a banging sound when starting? Its burners can be dirty. Dirty burners can hold up ignition, which results in gas accumulating inside 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, because the built-up gas is erupting within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a deadly carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve forgotten regular tune-ups for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give J.L. Brady Company LLC a shout at 309-517-7511. Our heating specialists will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s working correctly.

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

We recommend first checking your furnace’s air filter and getting a new one if it’s dirty. Next, make sure you don’t have too many vents closed in your home, as it can force air pressure out of balance.

If neither of these methods repair the problem, your ductwork may be dirty or undersized, which will require assistance from a pro HVAC specialist.

Furnace Making Humming or Buzzing Noise

If your furnace is buzzing or humming, it’s a flag there’s electrical troubles. This is most usually seen with a faltering blower fan motor, which will make an irritating buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It could also mean there’s an issue with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need help from a professional heating and cooling company like J.L. Brady Company LLC.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

If your furnace is making knocking sounds, it’s often a symptom that an internal part is going out. This might be anything from a bearing to a belt or the gas valve. It could also be a sign that your burners are dirty.

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

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

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

At J.L. Brady Company LLC, our experts are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing odd sounds, contact us at 309-517-7511 to book an appointment now.