With experts projecting Tennessee to have a colder, snowier winter, you’d want to ensure your furnace works properly. After all, you don’t want your Franklin home to feel just as chilly as the outdoors.
But when you test your home furnace system, don’t focus only on the heat it generates. You should also pay attention to audible cues. A loud and weird furnace noise often indicates an issue you shouldn’t ignore.
Fortunately, not all loud furnace sounds require professional repairs. We’ve shared some tips to combat or minimize these noises, so please read on.
1. Replace Air Filters
A clean furnace filter captures pollutants and allows air to pass without issues. Over time, though, it will become clogged with debris. This build-up will impede the airflow, making the furnace blower work harder.
As a result, the blower will have to “suck” harder to get air into the system, pulling in the filter as it does. Then, when it stops, the filter bangs or clangs back into place.
So, when you hear such a racket from your furnace, check your air filter. Replace or wash it once it has a thick layer of gray, ash-like substance.
To prevent such noises in the future, include monthly filter inspections in your HVAC maintenance checklist. This can help you determine if it’s time to change or wash it.
2. Tighten Screws and Panels
Is your noisy furnace making rattling sounds? If so, it may have loose screws or panel covers that only need tightening with a screwdriver. These components loosen over time due to air movement and vibration.
3. Ensure All Vents Are Open
High-pitched whistling sounds often indicate that air is trying to push through blocked openings. Such problems are usually due to restricted or closed vents.
If you hear such noises when your furnace is on, ensure all air vents are open. Move furniture or items that are in their way, too.
4. Invest in Regular HVAC Maintenance
The experts at Energy Star, the program run by the U.S. EPA and DOE, say that maintenance will keep your HVAC system operating at peak performance. According to them, this can help prevent problems and unnecessary expenses. At the same time, they recommend hiring a professional contractor for the tune-ups.
So, to reduce and prevent furnace noises, which are almost always signs of problems, have a pro service your system every fall.
5. Replace an Old Furnace
Today’s furnaces use better, more innovative noise-reduction technology than their predecessors. So, they can be much quieter than systems made years ago. To top it off, many of the latest models have higher HVAC energy efficiency ratings.
If your furnace is over a decade old, it may be time to replace it with a quieter, more energy-efficient unit.
Minimize Furnace Noise With These Tips
From timely air filter replacements to regular system tune-ups, these tactics can help keep furnace noise down. They can also aid in maintaining your equipment’s energy efficiency.
So, if you haven’t had your furnace tuned up yet, our team of HVAC experts at Sewell Electric can help. You can rely on our 70+ years of experience serving customers in Franklin and Williamson County.
Contact us today to schedule your HVAC maintenance! We’ll happily tune up your furnace and share tips on keeping it quiet.