How to Quiet a Noisy Furnace Blower?
You have come to the right place if you are trying to figure out how to quiet a noisy furnace blower. This article discusses various techniques to quiet a noisy furnace blower. By following these methods, you can increase the comfort of your home throughout the winter.
Winter is a delightful season, however, having a reliable heating system is essential to ensure that your home stays warm and comfortable. During this time, many individuals look for ways to keep their homes cosy and warm. While some may have built-in fireplaces, others depend on furnaces to provide warmth throughout the winter.
Although a furnace is capable of providing heat to the entire house and can be a lifesaver in the winter, it can also be quite noisy. For this reason, most furnace users tend to store them in basements due to the high levels of noise generated. The primary cause of the noise is the furnace blower, which is a moving component responsible for blowing hot air into the vents.
Best ways to Reduce Furnace Blower Noise: How to quiet a noisy furnace blower?
Here are some of the most effective techniques for reducing the noise produced by a furnace blower.
1. Adjust the furnace fan speed:
During installation, it is crucial to set up the furnace blower with the appropriate settings that suit your home’s specific requirements. This will help improve ventilation inside the house and ensure proper functioning of the system. Despite proper installation, the furnace fan’s speed may be higher than the expected airflow. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly monitor and adjust the fan speed to maintain an efficient and effective HVAC system.
In such situations, the air pressure reaches its maximum and generates noise, which can leave you with a noisy furnace blower. To reduce the noise, simply lower the fan speed to a lower setting and check the airflow. If the airflow is satisfactory and the noise level is comfortable for both you and the furnace blower, then set the fan to that setting.
2. Add Return Air Ducts:
The furnace blower typically emits a faint whistling sound. If the volume decreases upon opening the air filter door, it could indicate insufficient return air for the blower.
Furthermore, it is possible that the system is creating a vacuum at the intake instead of properly circulating air through it. Finally, a noisy air return is typically caused by a significant pressure differential between the intake and output sides.
If your assessment reveals that the high-pressure difference is the cause of the noise, you can reduce the noise level by installing additional return air ducts. To assist with the replacement of the air ducts, you may need to seek the assistance of a professional. Additionally, using a porous filter may enhance the furnace’s airflow.
3. Try Sound Insulation Solutions:
Heavy machinery, such as motors, naturally produces noise. If your furnace is still making noise, you may want to consider installing heat-resistant insulation to reduce the volume of sound that reaches you.
To ensure proper functionality, place either melamine foam or galvanised steel beside the blower inlet. It is important to ensure that none of the insulation or its components enter the furnace.
4. Replace The Motor or Fan Blade:
Ignoring the constant banging sound coming from the furnace blower is never a good idea, as it could indicate a serious problem, such as a motor issue. If the furnace’s motor is the main source of noise, there may not be much that can be done other than replacing it with a new one.
Although it is uncommon, fan blades can occasionally suffer damage from bending. This bend has the potential to seriously impair the motor’s operation and may lead to additional issues. If the issue is with the fan blade, it can always be replaced with a new blade of comparable size.
5. Clean the furnace blower fan:
Furnaces, which are often located in the basement, are prone to significant dust buildup if not regularly maintained. This dust can enter the furnace and obstruct critical components such as the furnace blower fan.
While a small amount of dust in your furnace is acceptable, if the furnace is not adequately maintained, it may lead to a chain reaction, resulting in the accumulation of more dust inside the furnace. Additionally, the blower fan’s dusty surface could create noise inside the furnace and air resistance outside. Therefore, periodic cleaning of the blower fan can reduce the likelihood of the furnace blower making a rattling sound.
It is possible for foreign objects to enter the furnace blower, causing a grinding noise, particularly if the fan of the furnace blower comes into contact with metallic items.
6. Oil the Furnace Motor and Parts:
If you have a furnace that has not been used for a long time and is making a loud noise, it is possible that the engine may have become dry due to lack of use. In this case, it is advisable to lubricate the blower’s shaft with some oil, rotate the components manually, and then switch on the furnace. Remember to take this into account during routine maintenance as it can also help in resolving other noisy motor issues.
7. Change the Belt Drive:
Some furnaces are equipped with belt-driven motors, which can experience wear and tear over time. If the belt drive becomes misaligned, collects dust, wears out, or begins to slip, the motor may emit a loud, screeching noise similar to that of an old car. This can cause the furnace to operate less efficiently and can be extremely irritating. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the belt drive.
Final Words:
A furnace is an important appliance that requires maintenance. Your furnace blower may make noise due to various reasons, such as improper motor or blade operation, poor heat circulation, or motor speed. Once you have identified the reason for the furnace’s problem, you can try the simple solutions mentioned above to reduce the noise of the furnace blower.
If you have attempted all the solutions and none seem to work, it would be advisable to hire a team of professionals to quiet the furnace for you. Please contact us promptly if you require dependable and effective solutions for your noisy furnace blower.
