As your furnace turns on and prepares to heat your home, it’s expected for it to make some noise. These sounds, such as the burners igniting and the blower operating, are all part of the normal start-up procedures.

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

1. Book Yearly Furnace Maintenance

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

It can also help our pros spot minor issues that might make your furnace annoying. And maybe help you avoid a meltdown on the chilliest day of the year. The Indoor Air Quality Association reports that regular maintenance can decrease your likelihood of furnace breakdowns by up to 95%.

If minor furnace troubles go undetected, they may lead to trouble down the road. By discovering these problems sooner, our techs can get your furnace fixed 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 properly maintained furnace could save up to 30% on your energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

2. Regularly Replace Your 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 stop working faster.

Our advice 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 AW Heating & Air Conditioning When Your Furnace Is Producing Weird Noises

Some furnaces, particularly older ones, could be louder than others. But if you’re noticing very loud or odd noises, it may be time to contact a heating and cooling company like AW Heating & Air Conditioning for furnace repair in Lincoln.

Here are a few noises to be looking for, how to repair them and when to call a professional.

Furnace Making Gurgling or Bubbling Noise

This noise is more common with high-efficiency furnaces. That’s since they discharge fumes in another way than older furnaces, and the process can create some moisture. If your furnace is having difficulties discharging this water, it might make gurgling or bubbling sounds. You’ll want professional support for this trouble, since it could 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 might mean a couple of things.

Haven’t requested maintenance recently and your furnace is producing a banging sound when beginning? Its burners may be dirty. Dirty burners can delay ignition, which leads gas to accumulate in your furnace.

All that accumulated gas can cause a banging or booming noise when your furnace eventually does ignite. But this is more than merely an irritating noise, as the accumulated gas is erupting within your furnace. This can break your furnace’s heat exchanger and make a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak.

If you’ve overlooked regular service for your furnace and you’re hearing this noise, give AW Heating & Air Conditioning a ring at 402-438-7992. Our heating pros will get your furnace tuned up and double-check it’s running correctly.

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

We recommend first checking your furnace’s air filter and installing a new one if it’s filthy. Next, double-check you don’t have too many vents closed in your residence, as it can throw off air pressure.

If neither of these things repair the issue, your ductwork could 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 an electrical issue. This is most often seen with a dying blower fan motor, which will produce an annoying buzzing noise when your furnace switches on. It can also mean there’s a problem with the capacitor or transformer. All three of these troubles need assistance from an experienced heating and cooling company like AW Heating & Air Conditioning.

Furnace Making Knocking Noise

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

These problems are frequently uncovered during annual maintenance provided by a certified HVAC technician. So, while we’re at your house working on repairs, don’t forget to ask us about requesting your maintenance appointment for the future.

Furnace Making Clicking Noise

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

At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals are here to help you relax in peaceful, energy-efficient comfort. If your furnace is louder than normal or producing odd sounds, contact us at 402-438-7992 to book an appointment now.