Clean Your Furnace In 7 Easy Steps

Hiring a professional for an annual furnace check-up and maintenance is very important. However, that does not mean that you cannot clean your furnace at other times of the year by yourself. Calling a professional every time can be costly for some people, which is why we have prepared this blog post for you. In this blog, we will look at 7 easy steps to clean your furnace. Clean Your Furnace

Step 1: Turning Off The System

Before doing the furnace cleaning, turn off the electricity and the fuel supply. Normally, the red power switchplate is located near the stove or the top of the cellar, while the fuel shutoff valve is near the oil tank or on the incoming gas line. In the event of a future leak or fire, make a mental note of where both are.

Step 2: Cleaning The Combustion Chamber

In the combustion chamber, fuel is mixed with air and ignited, resulting in the production of heat as well as carbon soot, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other impurities. The corrosion of the chamber walls might be caused by a buildup of soot. Use an industrial shop vacuum to remove any loose material before replacing the lid and inspect the chamber for holes or corrosion.

Step 3: Examine The Flue Pipe

Check for carbon monoxide leaks in the exhaust flue, particularly where the pipe meets the furnace. Foil tape can be used to patch small holes; however, deteriorating flues must be replaced. A barometric damper in the flue pipe is adjusted, reducing the chimney pull. In an ancient house, a large, tall chimney tends to draw in too much air.

Step 4: Removing The Oil Filter

The oil filter (found solely in oil-powered systems) prevents minor contaminants from obstructing the oil-burner nozzle, which could cause a misfire, causing the system to shut down. Close the oil valve first, then remove and replace the old filter, disposing of the unclean filter according to local hazardous-waste standards

Step 5: Changing The Air Filter And Checking The Blower

During the winter, this filter filters all of your family’s air. It might not be required to change the air filter too frequently, depending on the type of air filter; however, it should never go unchanged for more than a year. The filter can be readily changed by any household.

You should also inspect the blower belt for wear and strain at the same time. A blower is an electric motor that moves warm air from the furnace to room vents via ductwork. The blower might be slowed by a slack belt, reducing efficiency. The belt can be adjusted by sliding the motor backward slightly if it deflects more than 34 inches when forcefully squeezed.

Step 6: Testing Efficiency And Adjusting The Burner

Then set up a combustion analyzer, which measures gases in the exhaust flue to calculate furnace efficiency. Make sure that the air gates on the burner are set to the right fuel-to-air ratio before the fuel you brought to the igniter goes up the chimney, and also ensure sure it has burned.

Examine the color and shape of the flame at the igniter by replacing the oil nozzle, which atomizes the fuel just before it ignites. Additionally, examine the color and form of the flame at the igniter. This is an indication that the combustion process is stable and complete, whether it is in oil or gas. In a gas system, this is the time to sweep the burner tubes clean.

Step 7: Cleaning The Vents Of The Floor

Homeowners should remove floor registers and clean out ducts in the fall, as they are magnets for dust, pet hair, tiny toys, and food scraps. All of this affects the effectiveness of the system, causing you to increase the temperature. Without the junk in the air, you’ll be able to breathe cleaner air.

If you’re in need of any furnace repair or furnace replacement services, then feel free to contact All Climate Mechanical, the best HVAC contractors in Andover MN, today.