As your furnace turns on and prepares to add warmth to your house, it’s common for it to make some noise. These sounds, including the burners lighting and the blower operating, are all part of the usual start-up steps.

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

1. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

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

It can also help us find minor issues that might make your furnace loud. And maybe help you prevent a breakdown on the coldest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that routine maintenance can decrease your chance of furnace meltdowns by up to 95%.

If small furnace troubles go undetected, they may cause trouble later on. By uncovering these problems sooner, our techs can get your furnace taken care of before heating season is at its peak.

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 bills, 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 becomes too dirty, it can make your furnace turn on and off more than it should. Called short cycling, this can cause your furnace to use additional gas and make it break down faster.

Our suggestions for installing a new furnace filter:

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

You could have to get a new filter more frequently if you have allergies or pets.

3. Call Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. When Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises

Some furnaces, particularly older ones, may be noisier than others. But if you’re detecting exceedingly loud or weird noises, you should contact a heating and cooling company like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. for furnace repair in Hodgenville.

Here are several noises to keep an eye out for, how to repair them and when to call a pro.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise happens more frequently with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they exhaust fumes differently than older furnaces, and the process can make some moisture. If your furnace is running into difficulties draining this water, it can make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll need skilled support for this problem, since it could 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 could mean a couple of things.

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

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

If you’ve neglected regular service for your furnace and you’re noticing this noise, give Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. a shout at 270-358-3167. Our heating professionals will get your furnace tuned up and make sure it’s working correctly.

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

We advise first looking at your furnace’s air filter and replacing it if it’s filthy. Next, ensure you don’t have too many vents closed in your home, as it can throw off air pressure.

If neither of these methods repair the issue, your ductwork might be dirty or undersized, which will call for assistance from a skilled HVAC specialist.

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 faltering blower fan motor, which will create a loud 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 support from a professional heating and cooling company like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc..

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

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

These troubles are often uncovered during regular maintenance provided by a certified HVAC tech. So, while we’re at your house working on repairs, don’t forget to ask us about scheduling your maintenance appointment for the future.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

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

At Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc., our specialists are here to help you enjoy peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing strange sounds, contact us at 270-358-3167 to get an appointment today.