3 Ways to Clean Your Furnace
Dirt in and around a furnace can cause long-term problems for homeowners. The buildup happens during normal use but shouldn't be allowed to linger too long. A clean furnace delivers fresher indoor air for you and your family to breathe. A little bit of attention and effort can help extend the life of your equipment. It can also reduce the odds of a system failure.
Skipping the cleaning process can cause components to clog up and not work properly. Some of the steps we'll discuss are easy for anyone to do. Others may require a professional if you're unsure of your abilities. Calling a professional is a trusted way to address furnace issues. Here are three ways to clean your furnace.
1. Clean or Replace the Filter
This task is easy to do when you plan ahead. How you approach this depends on the type of filter you use. A reusable filter will need to be removed, washed and re-installed. Standard filters need to be removed and replaced with a fresh, clean filter. Purchasing filters in bulk makes filter replacement a cinch.
Filters are designed to minimize the amount of dirt and dust entering the heating system. This means they can get dirty and covered with gunk very quickly. If you don't replace the filter about every three months, your equipment can lose its efficiency and eventually breakdown. A dirty filter reduces the system's ability to operate and deliver warm air the way it should. In homes with pets, filter replacement should happen more often.
2. Conduct Maintenance Every Season
Even with regular filter changes, dust, dirt and grime will build up inside a furnace. Most homeowners aren't inclined to open their furnace to clean it. Unless you're knowledgeable, you'll want to call a professional heating technician to do this work for you. Your technician will do a number of things to clean the equipment. They will also adjust and calibrate components and test the system for safe, efficient operation. It's important to understand that a heating system that goes unattended can become a fire hazard.
If your unit sits outside, keep debris away from it. Many of the parts inside your furnace require a delicate touch. Some units require the proper placement of the furnace door once you're done. If you don't align the door correctly, the system won't start. Many maintenance service companies don't include repairs in their maintenance tasks and will handle them as a separate service. Here are a few of the tasks that need to be taken care of during maintenance:
- Check for leaks around the flue pipe
- Inspect and clean the flame sensor
- Inspect, clean and lubricate the blower motor
- Replace worn belts
- Vacuum the burners and the blower cavities
B & B Heating & Air Conditioning provides heating services in Grove. We can assist you with furnace maintenance on all makes and models. Early fall is the best time to let us know you want help with your heating system.
3. Keep Registers and Air Ducts Clean
Removing the air registers and giving them a good wipe down is another furnace cleaning task. The register is the plate that covers the opening to the ductwork. Depending upon the age of your home, registers can be found in floors, walls and ceilings. You'll need a screwdriver to remove them, and they can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Getting rid of the dirt keeps it from finding its way into your equipment and ensures cleaner air to breathe.
Make sure you replace your registers right away. Leaving ductwork open without a register gives dirt the opportunity to collect inside your furnace.
Before Getting Started
Always check your equipment manufacturer's recommendations regarding filter replacement and system cleaning. In fact, read the manual before cleaning the equipment. It will inform you about the particular needs of your unit. You'll also want to make sure the system is turned off before doing any work on it.
Since 1983, B & B Heating & Air Conditioning has been your local go-to service company in Grove. We offer complete installation, repair and maintenance services for a wide range of AC and furnace systems. Our team is also qualified to handle services for solar-ready installations and indoor air quality needs. You can rely on our same-day service guarantee. Call us today to schedule an appointment.