It is important to keep your furnace clean.A dirty furnace will burn more fuel and work less well than a clean furnace.There are three basic parts of your furnace that can be affected by dirt: the heat exchanger, the blower, and the filter system.If you want to extend the life of your current furnace and prevent costly repairs, you need to know how to clean it.
Step 1: The access panel is on the outside of the furnace.
The return-air duct is between the blower system and the duct.The front of the furnace is where the filter is usually located.You may need to remove the front panel from the furnace in order to get to the filter.The furnace filter may have its own access door.It's a good idea to turn off the furnace before opening it.
Step 2: Pull the filter up and out of the tracks.
The filters should come out easily.Don't force the filter out to prevent damage to the furnace.If it seems stuck, look closely and see if anything is blocking it.
Step 3: The filter needs to be inspected for dirt or damage.
Depending on the type of filter, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.If you don't know if your filter is dirty, hold it up to the light and look through it.If you can't see the light, the filter needs to be replaced.A dirty filter will cause your furnace to work harder to push air through the dirt in your home.The filter needs to be cleaned if it isn't disposable.If you have dirt or loose particles, first remove them.A mild soap and tap water can be used to wash the filters.Let the filter dry before putting it back in the furnace.A disposable filter is used by many furnaces.If this applies to yours, you can either take the old filter to a hardware store or buy a new one from the same type or model.
Step 4: The new filter should be put back into the furnace.
The filter should be put back into the furnace.You can close the access door or apply the front panel with the hooks or screws.Make sure that there is no dirt or debris blocking the filter.Double-check that you purchased the correct size or type of filter if you have a new one that doesn't fit right.
Step 5: It's important to inspect your filter frequently.
The furnace filters need to be cleaned or replaced at least three or four times a year.Reminders can be set on your calendar.You can check your filter on the first day of the year.
Step 6: Plug your furnace in.
All power sources that run to your furnace unit should be unplugged.Failure to turn off any source of power before cleaning the assembly can result in serious bodily injury or even death.
Step 7: The front of the furnace needs to be removed.
Even if your furnace has an access door, you will most likely have to remove the entire front panel to clean the blower assembly.If you want to remove the panel, you have to loosen the screws that hold it in place or take it off its hinges.
Step 8: Remove the fan unit from the furnace.
The fans are secured to the furnace by a track, which allows them to slide in and out easily.wire connections may be used to connect the fan.Before removing the wire from the fan, make a note of where they connect to it.It will be easier to reassemble the unit.To make reassembly easier, you can wrap a small piece of tape around each wire and label it, just make sure to remove the tape labels before reattaching the wires to the blower fan.If you want to take the fan out, you have to remove the screws or bolts that hold it in.Before you put the fan back, make sure the screws or bolts are in a safe place.
Step 9: The blower assembly needs to be cleaned.
A toothbrush can help you to clean the fan blades and the small spaces between them.The blower assembly is the component that pulls air in through the back of the furnace and creates heat.Dust and dirt can get into the vent system of your home if the blower assembly is dirty.It is important to clean the assembly.
Step 10: The assembly should be vacuumed.
Running a handheld vacuum on low power will help remove dirt from the fan blades and belts.If you don't have a vacuum, you can wipe belts clean with a damp cloth.
Step 11: Return the fan blower assembly to the furnace.
Once the assembly is dry, slide it back onto its track so that it can fit into the furnace again.Make sure to connect the wires to the right location if you had to remove the assembly.After cleaning the fan blower assembly, turn on your furnace by plugging it back in.
Step 12: The furnace needs to be turned off.
All power connections to your furnace need to be unplugged.The gas should be turned off if it is a gas furnace.
Step 13: There is dirt on the block.
The black build-up can be loosened with a brush.You can use a damp cloth to remove the build up.
Step 14: The block assembly should be vacuumed.
To thoroughly clean the heat exchanger block assembly, use a narrow vacuum attachment.All of the debris you loosened off the assembly should be removed using a vacuum.When you are done cleaning and vacuuming the heat exchanger block, turn on your furnace by plugging it back in.