Every year, your furnace or heat pump will need to be cleaned. This is because dirt and dust that accumulates in the system can block vents, reduce efficiency, and cause corrosion, leading to expensive repairs.
Cleaning your furnace or heat pump is a simple and easy task that you can do yourself. Remove the cover (usually located under the unit) to expose all of the components, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and other debris, then use the furnace brush attachment to sweep away all of the dirt. This blog post will show you how to clean a furnace or heat pump.
The Basics of How a Furnace Works
A furnace provides heated air by burning fuel, usually natural gas or oil, to heat air and then distribute it through the house via a series of ducts.
The burning fuel creates carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and various other compounds that are not good for the environment or your health. If there is any buildup of these compounds in your system, it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and nitrogen dioxide exposure.
To avoid this buildup of harmful gases, you should periodically clean the furnace or heat pump to eliminate the buildup of soot and dirt.
How to Clean a Furnace Blower
The blower is an essential part of your furnace because it pushes air through the vents. If you are not sure how to clean a furnace, make cleaning the blower your first priority.
The blower can be cleaned in two ways. You can use the vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment to remove dust and debris from all of the crevices on it. The second is to use water, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide mixed in warm water and spray it onto the blower assembly.
To remove dust from the other parts of your furnace, vacuum as much as possible and dampen a cloth with a block of mild soap and water. Scrub the surface of your furnace with this dampened cloth to remove any dust or debris.
How to Clean a Furnace Flame Sensor
The furnace flame sensor is common for dirt and dust to accumulate. To clean, use a vacuum cleaner with an extendable hose attachment to remove the accumulated debris from the sensor opening. The furnace flame sensor is typically located on the left side of your furnace. Cleaning the sensor will ensure that the furnace is burning efficiently. An HVAC technician can do a much more thorough job of cleaning the flame sensor during a regular maintenance visit.
How to Clean Furnace Coils
A dirty furnace or heat pump can cause your heating unit to work much harder than necessary, which causes it to use more energy and wear out quicker. It is recommended that you have the coils cleaned in your furnace or heat pump once a year. Your HVAC technician should do this during your yearly tune-up visit. It is better to let them do it because the process is a bit cumbersome, and mistakes can be easy to make.
The technician will first shut off the power to the unit by flipping the breaker off. Then they will disconnect the gas to the furnace by turning it off at your main valve or natural gas meter. They will then remove all electrical connections and disconnect the gas line and water lines. Using a vacuum, the technician will remove any dust or carbon residue you see on the unit’s coils and fan blades.
When they are done cleaning, they will reconnect all of the connections in reverse order beginning with reattaching or replacing any wires that were disconnected and then reconnecting the gas line and water lines. Finally, they will turn on the power to your unit by flipping your breaker switch back on.
Bottom Line
We offer a wide range of services centered around heating and cooling in Louisville, KY. Services include installing and servicing heating and cooling systems, hot water tanks, cleaning ducts, among others. Regular maintenance services on your HVAC systems are important to make sure that they last. If you have a problem with your home’s heating and cooling systems, Breckinridge Heating & Cooling is able to identify the issue and provide solutions. Another aspect of our service is that we provide you with personalized service based on your home. Contact us Breckinridge Heating & Cooling today for more information! Our team of professionals will be ready to help you anytime.
