Abstract Sound pressure levels around furnaces may be hazardous to hearing, interfere with communications, and annoy occupants in adjoining areas. Burners are the most important but not the sole source of noise. Burner premix and combustion noise are described, and methods of noise control for existing installations are illustrated. The advantages of considering noise in the original design of the furnace are emphasized, and the SPL of a single burner is suggested as a design guide for new installations.