It’s completely normal for your furnace to make a little bit of noise when it first turns on and is running. However, excessively loud noises or brand-new sounds are something that you should pay close attention to. Some of these noises indicate an issue that needs attention immediately. If you ignore them, it can lead to involved and expensive repairs later. You could even face a catastrophic shutdown of your heating system because of neglecting repairs. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of furnace noises and what you can do to fix the issue in your Kalispell, MT home.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
The HVAC filter in your furnace prevents dirt and debris from entering your heating system and damaging internal components. It also captures airborne pollutants that would otherwise recirculate through your ductwork and end up in your living spaces. However, when the air filter gets clogged, it restricts airflow, which can cause your furnace to work harder. If your heating system starts to sound louder, you should replace the air filter, which may solve the problem.
Experts recommend replacing air filters at least once every three months. However, you may have to change yours more often due to factors like how many people live in your house and if you have pets. Additionally, higher-quality filters will become clogged faster because they capture more airborne contaminants during your HVAC system’s operation. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when they need to be changed.
You can compare your current filter to a brand-new one to see the difference. A dirty filter that needs to be changed will usually be gray, and there may be visible debris on its surface. In addition, light will not pass through it.
Loose Components
As your furnace runs, there may be parts or components that will loosen from frequent use. This is a normal part of wear and tear. Having a professional tighten these components will usually fix the noise issue and prevent more significant problems. Some of the parts of your furnace that may experience loosening include parts in the indoor air handler, motor, and flue.
Keep in mind, checking these components is something that is typically part of annual routine maintenance. It is recommended that you schedule this service once a year so that your technician can catch minor problems before they become something more serious. Annual maintenance reduces the risk of emergency breakdown and ensures your system operates efficiently.
Issues With Your Ductwork
In addition to your furnace making noise, there may be issues with your ductwork that are contributing to the issue. For example, gaps in the ductwork that connect to your furnace can cause a whistling or whooshing sound. This problem and other leaks in your ducts are causing you to lose conditioned air before it can travel to the various rooms of your house. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that you can lose up to 30% of the warm air your furnace produces each year due to faulty ductwork.
Faulty ductwork also can result in uneven heating, compromising the comfort of your home. In addition, it can cause your furnace to work harder contributing to wear and tear that will reduce its lifetime.
Problems With Furnace Ignition
The ignition system of your furnace is crucial for initiating heating cycles. If this component has an issue, you might hear a clicking sound, but your furnace will not start. Alternatively, your furnace may start, but you will not feel warm air coming from your supply vents.
Loud banging noises can also be a sign of ignition problems. These noises often occur when the furnace attempts to ignite but fails to do so immediately. This failure can lead to an accumulation of unburned gas in the combustion chamber. When ignition finally occurs, the accumulated gas can cause an explosion, producing a loud bang. This noise can also signal other underlying problems, such as a faulty burner or improper gas flow. If you hear these banging noises, it’s essential to have a professional inspect your furnace promptly to avoid permanent damage to your heating system.
Insufficient Lubrication
Several components of your furnace rely on lubrication to operate smoothly. Over time, this lubrication deteriorates, leading to potential issues. Signs that your furnace may have insufficient lubrication include unusual noises such as grinding or clanking, which indicate that the moving parts are not functioning as smoothly as they should. During annual maintenance, a technician will lubricate all your furnace moving parts, including the bearings in the motor and fan.
Electrical Issues
A humming noise from your furnace can be indicative of several issues, often related to electrical components. This persistent sound may point to problems with the motor or transformer, such as a malfunctioning capacitor or a loose motor mount. It could also be a faulty control board or sensor. In some cases, it can be a sign of a wiring issue within the furnace or your home’s electrical system. Addressing a humming noise accompanied by a burning smell is essential. The problem could lead to an electrical fire or severe damage to your heating system.
The Age of Your Furnace
Unfortunately, furnaces are not designed to last indefinitely. Even with proper maintenance, high-quality models rarely last beyond 15 to 20 years. As they approach the end of their lifespan, it’s common for heating systems to become noisier and less efficient. While our Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling team can address many issues, there comes a point when repairs may no longer be practical or cost-effective. In such cases, our technicians will recommend a furnace replacement if the unit is frequently breaking down, experiencing significant performance issues, or has reached an age where the risk of failure is high. Additionally, our technicians commonly recommend a new furnace if a repair will cost you more than half of the expense of installing a new one.
If our technician advises a replacement, they will answer your questions about the process. This proactive approach allows you to budget for a new heating system and schedule the installation at your convenience rather than facing an unexpected breakdown. By addressing the issue before it becomes an emergency, you avoid the hassle of scrambling to find a replacement in the middle of a Kalispell winter. You will also end up with a more efficient system that will defray some of its installation costs with lower monthly utility bills.
Contact the Local Professionals
At Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we have served the residents of Kalispell, Montana and the surrounding areas since 1986. Our company strives to be your one-stop shop for all your home care needs. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we are expert plumbers who provide sewer repair, drain cleaning, and leak detection services. We can also help with your indoor air quality and water filtration needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for furnace repair with one of our experienced team members.
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