Crucial Furnace Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably think of furnace cleaning as a dreaded chore that you put off until the last minute. But did you know that failing to properly clean and maintain your furnace can lead to decreased efficiency and even system failure?  That’s why it’s important to make furnace cleaning and maintenance a priority.

In this article, we’re going to cover the crucial furnace cleaning and maintenance tips that will help keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

The frequency with which you should maintain and clean your furnace depends on a variety of factors, including the type of system you have, how often it’s used, and the surrounding environment. For most furnaces, a check-up once yearly should be ample to provide long and reliable usage lives.

Beyond the furnace itself, though, your furnace filter will require far more frequent support. Here are some notes to keep in mind when considering how often should you clean your furnace and replace the filter inside:

• If you choose to install a basic fiberglass or paper filter for your furnace, it will typically need to be replaced every 1-2 months during a heating season.
• If you choose to install an electrostatic or HEPA filter, it will typically need to be replaced every 2-4 months.
• If your home has furry pets or smokers, it’s advised that you change the filters more frequently to trap dust, dirt, and airborne particulates that will begin to circulate.

If you’re going to clean your furnace, you’ll need to first determine what type of system you have. If you have an electric furnace, all you’ll need to do is vacuum the filters every few months. If you have a gas furnace, however, there are a few more things you’ll need to do.

Step 1: Clean out the combustion chamber

The combustion chamber is where the burning of fossil fuels takes place. Over time, this area can become caked with soot and grime, which can lead to decreased efficiency and even fires. To clean the combustion chamber, you’ll need to:

• Shut off the gas to the furnace.
• Remove the chamber door.
• Use a stiff brush and soapy water to scrub away any soot or grime.
• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Once this is complete, you can move to step 2.

Step 2: Clear the blower compartment of debris

The blower compartment is located beneath the combustion chamber. This is where the blower motor and fan are located, and it’s also where a lot of dirt and debris can accumulate over time. To clean the blower compartment, you’ll need to:

• Remove the blower access panel.
• Vacuum away any dirt or debris that has accumulated.
• Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth.

Once this is complete, you can move to step 3.

Step 3: Clean the furnace filter

The furnace filter is one of the most important parts of your furnace, and it should be cleaned regularly to ensure optimum performance. To clean the furnace filter, you’ll need to:

• Remove the furnace filter.
• Wash it in warm, soapy water.
• Rinse with clean water and allow to dry thoroughly.
• Reinstall the furnace filter.

Once this is complete, you can move to step 4.

Step 4: Oil the motor bearings

If your furnace has a belt-driven motor, you’ll need to oil the bearings every few months to ensure optimal performance. To oil the motor bearings, you’ll need to:

• Locate the motor bearings.
• Remove the covers and apply a light coat of oil.
• Replace the covers and secure them.

While most furnace maintenance tasks can be completed by the homeowner, there are some cases where it’s best to call a professional. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to contact a furnace repair technician:

• The furnace is making strange noises. If it becomes clear that  your furnace is no longer operating as quietly as it once did, it’s time to call a professional.
• There is water around the furnace. If you notice water pooling around your furnace, it’s time to call a professional. This could be an indication of a serious problem, such as a cracked heat exchanger, and is something you’ll want to address as quickly as possible before more serious damages occur.
• The furnace is leaking gas. If you notice a gas leak, it’s time to call a professional immediately. This is an extremely serious problem that could lead to an explosion, so don’t attempt to repair it yourself.

• The pilot light won’t stay lit. If your pilot light keeps going out, it’s time to call a professional. There could be a problem with the ignition system, and it’s best to leave this type of repair to the experts.
• Soot or debris is coming from the furnace.  If you notice soot or debris coming from your furnace, it’s time to call a professional. This could be an indication of a problem with the combustion chamber and is something that should be addressed as quickly as possible.
• The furnace isn’t heating evenly.  If you notice that your furnace isn’t heating the rooms throughout your home evenly, it’s time to call a professional. This could be an indication of a problem with the blower motor or fan and is something that should be addressed as quickly as possible. Not only will this issue compromise your quality of living, but it will also begin to have a serious impact on your energy bill moving forward.

If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional team – Like Therm Energy – for help. Trying to fix the problem yourself could result in further damage and even injury.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Furnaces are essential for keeping our homes warm and cozy during the cold winter months. However, if they’re not properly maintained, they can quickly become a safety hazard. That’s why it’s important to have your furnace cleaned and serviced regularly and to ensure that no signs of wear or issue are slipping through the cracks. By hiring a professional team like ThermEnergy, you can rest assured knowing that your furnace is in good hands. We’ll clean every nook and cranny of your furnace to help prolong its life span. Contact us today to learn more about our team, services, or to request a service appointment of your own!