Are modern furnaces quieter?

Author: Nigel Heller  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Modern furnace systems operate quietly. They have two- or multi-stage motors, which don't make as much noise when they start and stop. Modern furnace systems also feature sound dampening equipment. You'll barely hear a hum when your new furnace performs a heating cycle.

Are newer furnaces quieter?

Although no financial savings are tied to it, sound rating of a heating system can directly affect your comfort. Your ears tell you what is too noisy and what seems quiet. Most heating systems manufactured today are quieter than those produced in past years.

Which furnaces are the quietest?

Now, let's take a look at some of the quietest furnace brands currently on the market:
  • Trane. Trane is widely regarded as one of the top brands when it comes to quiet operation. ...
  • Carrier. Carrier is another leading furnace brand that prioritizes quiet operation. ...
  • Lennox. ...
  • Rheem. ...
  • Amana.

Is it normal for a new furnace to be loud?

New furnaces can have fairly loud, rumbly burner noises. You may also be getting noise from the blower echoing through the ducts because you have rigid sheet metal ductwork.

Should you be able to hear your furnace?

On a normal day, your home's furnace might make a little noise as it starts up, when it's turning on, and then when it turns off. You can always expect to hear some noise from the furnace. The thing about this noise is that it should never be disruptive.

Furnace Noisy Or Loud — Furnace Troubleshooting

What is the normal sound of a furnace?

Normal Furnace Noises

Sometimes there is a little bit of a pop or click as the furnace fires up, then the heating system settles into a dull hum as it runs. Think of it like the click you hear when you turn on the burner on a gas stove.

How do I reduce the noise in my furnace?

Here are a few ways to reduce HVAC noise.
  1. Seal Air Leaks. Air leaks are one of the main causes of noise in HVAC systems. ...
  2. Upgrade Your HVAC System. ...
  3. Ventilation. ...
  4. Choosing the Right Location. ...
  5. Insulating the Walls. ...
  6. Cover Your Unit Using Soundproof Materials. ...
  7. Install Flexible Ducts. ...
  8. Get Duct Silencers.

Are newer HVAC systems louder?

If you have recently purchased a new furnace and have found that it is louder than your previous one, you might worry that something is wrong with your unit. Rest assured, this is a common misconception. New models are often louder than old ones for a number of reasons.

Are new oil furnaces quieter?

Noise. Although this can't be guaranteed, a new model can be quieter than its predecessor. This is more likely to happen if you install a furnace with new air ducts and/or modulating gas valves.

Why is my new Trane furnace so loud?

Your New System Works Correctly

The sound that you are hearing could simply be more airflow. The new blower motors that are put into the current furnace technology are much more effective than older blower motors and are made to push air through your house.

Which HVAC brand is the quietest?

Below are some of the quietest air conditioners on the market, from top-brand manufacturers:
  • Lennox XC25 Variable-Speed Air Conditioner = As Low as 59 dB.
  • Carrier Infinity® 19 Variable-Speed AC = As Low as 56 DB.
  • York Affinity™ YXV Variable-Capacity Air Conditioner = As Low as 53 dB.

Are 2 stage furnaces quieter?

Quieter Operation

Two-stage furnaces are quieter than single-stage furnaces due to their slower operating speeds and ECMs. Single-stage furnaces produce loud noises when they turn on and off.

Are high-efficiency furnaces quiet?

Yes, but that's only one benefit. High-efficiency means lower utility bills, not just nickels and dimes either; the savings can be hundreds of dollars a year, especially if you use propane to heat your home. Many high-efficiency models also have advanced motors that use less electricity and are extremely quiet.

What is the quietest furnace on the market?

The Quietest Furnace: Trane 97 Two-Stage Variable Speed

The Trane 97 Two-Stage Variable Speed Gas Furnace gas furnace combines outstanding energy efficiency with silent operation.

Is it better to have an old furnace or new furnace?

To better regulate temperatures and airflow, modern furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces. The air that comes out of your furnace registers may not seem as warm as the air from your old furnace, but overall airflow is improved. Better airflow means higher comfort.

Why is my new Rheem furnace so loud?

One of the common causes of furnace noises is dirty burners. Loud boom or bang sounds coming from your heating unit indicate dirty burners.

Are oil furnaces outdated?

In summary, heating oil is far from outdated. With its advancements in efficiency, environmental sustainability, and cost-control options, it continues to be a competitive and reliable choice for heating.

Do all furnaces make noise?

Don't worry; older furnaces tend to make sounds and are generally noisier than newer heating systems. Even if your heater is on the older side, it shouldn't make too much noise so that it disrupts your daily activities.

Are carrier furnaces quiet?

Quiet Comfort: Carrier furnaces offer peace and quiet by utilizing variable-speed blower motors and fully insulated cabinets. This means you can enjoy a warm home without hearing your furnace running in the background.

How can I make my HVAC quieter?

HVAC Soundproofing Recommended Methods
  1. Reduce the Sound at Its Source. ...
  2. Limit Ductwork Noise. ...
  3. Use a Soundproofing Wrap. ...
  4. Apply a Dampening Material. ...
  5. Consider Soundproof Blankets. ...
  6. Insulate Your Walls.

Should I be able to hear my HVAC?

For the most part, an HVAC system will be very quiet background noise that's easy to ignore. An HVAC system usually won't run loudly unless there's a problem. Your HVAC system, if there's a problem, may make several different noises. You may hear a buzzing noise, a popping sound, or even clanking.

Why is my return so loud?

Since the air return sucks air, they are prone to getting clogged, especially if your home is particularly dusty. When vents or ducts are clogged with dust and debris, the result is reduced airflow which can cause annoying noises.

How to make central heating quieter?

Check the flow rate of your boiler, a low water flow in the system can be a cause of the noise. (The correct flow rate can usually be found in the manual) If this is the issue, keeping it at the correct level will make the boiler function more quietly. Limescale can also be a factor that can cause a loud boiler.

Should I be able to hear my furnace running?

A majority of furnaces will produce a low humming noise while they are operating. If this noise is becoming noticeably loud, this is a signal of a severe problem with your blower fan or capacitor. To prevent damage to your fan, it's important to call a licensed technician to inspect and repair the blower motor.

Can I soundproof my furnace?

The best fix for this structural noise is to decouple the furnace from the floor or walls. The best way to stop impact noise coming from your furnace closet is to isolate the furnace using rubber. We recommend placing your furnace directly on some rubber isolation pads or on a rubber isolation mat.

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