It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your furnace to ensure it functions optimally during the winter months since no one wants to deal with a malfunctioning HVAC system. So, it’s time to clean your furnace and prepare it for peak performance thoroughly.
Moreover, furnace cleaning is wider than in the winter season. If you notice that your living space is accumulating dust quickly and requires constant cleaning, this could be a sign that your furnace needs to be checked and cleaned regularly.
The Significance of Furnace Cleaning
While there is no universal checklist for furnace maintenance, HVAC professionals typically check important components such as the heat exchanger, fan motor, induction motor and burners. It is important to note that homeowners should not attempt to check or clean furnace igniters as they are very dangerous components.
Before you start cleaning your furnace, it is important to take a few precautions: Turn off the power and save the tools and spare parts at hand.
Before diving into your gas furnace cleaning, gather the following essentials:
- Screwdrivers
- Ratchet and socket set
- Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment
- Small stiff bristle brush
- New return air filter
- Emery cloth
- Lubricating machine oil (required for older 20-year furnaces)
Steps to Clean a Furnace Burner
- Before cleaning, disconnect the furnace from the power supply and remove the access doors or panel.
- Locate Burners: Locate the burners. Please take a photo to remember their location for reinstallation.
- Unscrew and Remove Burner: Carefully unscrew and remove the burner, taking note of its orientation for proper reinstallation.
- Clean Residue: Scrub the chamber walls with a brass wire brush to remove residue.
- Burner Fins Cleaning: Brush away deposits on the burner and ensure the fins are clean by blowing away accumulated dirt or dust.
- Clean Flame Sensors: Clean the flame sensor, a small rod typically behind the last burner, using fine steel wool to maintain functionality.
- Replace Burners: Begin by turning on the burner farthest from the gas valve and replacing each burner sequentially, ensuring they click into place without forcing them.
- Retainer and Burner Replacement: Use the appropriate screws to fasten the locking device above the cooking zones.
- Test the Unit: Perform a blue flame test by turning on the electricity and gas, turning up the thermostat and observing the colour of the flame. A professional cleaning can resolve combustion problems and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the furnace.
Yellow or orange streaks in the flame may indicate a combustion problem, in which case a professional cleaning is recommended. Qualified furnace technicians can fix issues such as a leaky heat exchanger, preventing carbon monoxide from entering the air in your home. If you notice an unusual flame colour, this may indicate that the air-to-gas ratio needs to be adjusted.
