If you hear a low rumble or quiet humming noise while the furnace is on, there’s no cause for alarm. Those relatively soft sounds are perfectly normal to hear while your furnace is running.
However, if your furnace is making a loud, intrusive sound, then it usually means there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
In this blog, we’ll share:
- 3 troubleshooting steps to make your furnace run quieter
- When you should contact a professional for assistance
Let’s start with some quick tips to make your furnace run quieter.
Want a professional to check out your furnace to help it run quieter? Our trusted technicians are standing by, ready help. Call (732) 681-9090 or schedule an appointment online today.
3 tips to make your furnace run quieter
If your furnace is making a loud noise, we recommend the following steps to make it run quieter:
- Check your air filter
- Tighten loose panels
- Open vents—even in unused rooms
Step #1: Check your air filter
When your furnace is making a strange noise, the first thing you’ll want to check is the air filter.
You see, over time the air filter gets clogged with dirt and debris, which prevents air from entering the furnace. This results in the blower motor having to work over time to bring in sufficient air to be heated, which can increase the overall sound coming from the furnace.
What to do: Go to your furnace filter and check the filter. If it’s dirty, replace it with a new one and see if that helps reduce the sound from your furnace.
Clean (left) vs dirty (right) air filter
Not sure how to replace the filter? Follow this quick filter replacement guide.
Step #2: Tighten loose panels
If you hear a rattling sound, it could be the result of a loose metal panel.
Sometimes screws can loosen over time, especially if they were not properly fastened after a repair or maintenance.
What to do: Make sure the screws that secure the panels around the furnace are sufficiently tight. If it sounds like the rattling sound is coming from inside the furnace, contact a professional to inspect your system for other loose components.
Step #3: Open vents—even in unused rooms
Closing multiple vents can lead to more pressure in the ductwork and put extra stress on your furnace, which could explain the loud noise coming from your furnace.
What to do: Make sure that all vents are open, including in rooms you don’t occupy often. This will help minimize the noise coming from the ducts and prevent wear and tear on your furnace.
When to call a professional for help
If you hear the following sounds, it means your furnace has a problem that will require professional assistance ASAP:
- Loud boom or bang
- Grinding sound (metal scraping against metal)
- High-pitched squeaking or squealing
A professional can quickly find what’s causing these problematic loud noises and recommend any needed repairs.
Some of these loud noises are the result of a furnace that’s nearing the end of its life. If your furnace is 15+ years old, the technician may recommend replacing your furnace instead of repairing it. Luckily, most new furnaces automatically come with noise-reducing technology which allows for even quieter operation compared to older systems.
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Our trusted technicians are standing by, ready to help. When you hire Air Experts for your furnace repair, you can count on fast, quality service and honest prices.