DIY Furnace Cleaning
Believe it or not, your furnace works in a fairly simple way. Cold air goes into the furnace and passes through a filter. That air is then heated and sent through what is called a flue. Finally, the air is released into your home via a series of ducts. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris accumulates on these different components, making your furnace less efficient at providing you with heat. If you do a mere annual furnace cleaning, it should keep your energy bills down, ensure a comfortable temperature in your home, and prolong the life of your heating system.
1: Turn off your furnace
2: Locate the metal panel
There should be a metal panel on the front of your furnace, below the return air duct, between the duct and blower system. The panel might be part of a box-like projection on the furnace, or it might simply be labeled “filter.”
3: Remove the panel
Unscrew the panel from the rest of the box, or remove it from its holding hooks. If you have a heating unit where the filter is exposed, slip the filter up and out of the U-shape tracks that hold it in place.
4: Inspect and clean (or replace) the filter
Look for brownish, dusty build up on the screen. If you’re filter is reusable, simply use a garden hose (on a light spray setting) to rinse away the grime. If you have a disposable filter, remember its size, and then throw it away. Go to your home improvement store and purchase a new furnace filter of the same size.
5: Clean the blower assembly
Remove the panel that covers the filter to gain access to blower. This panel may be set on hooks or held in place by group of screws. You can usually gain access to the inside of a blower by sliding out the fan unit, which is held on the track by screws, as well.
Disconnect the power cord to the fan assembly, if it is not long enough for the fan unit to slide out. Simply take note of the wire connections first, so you’ll be able to reconnect the cord later. Use a tooth brush to clean each fan blade, and the spaces between the blades. After that, use a vacuum cleaner hose to remove all the excess debris.
6. Clean the motor
Vacuum the pulleys and belts, and wipe down the entire motor housing with a rag. This will prevent heat build up in the motor.
7. Reassemble all components and switch the furnace to “on”
All done!
Whether you have questions about furnace cleaning, or you think you might need your furnace looked at by a professional, feel more than welcome to contact Besco Air, your Chicago area heating contractors!
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