Cleaning the furnace is an important task to keep the house well-maintained. Dirty furnaces can consume more electricity and/or gas, and are less efficient than clean stoves. There are 3 basic parts to a kiln that can be affected by impurities: the filtration system, the air blower, and the heat transfer. You should know how to clean your stove effectively and perform regular cleanings to extend the life of your stove and prevent costly repairs.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Checking Furnace Filtration System
Step 1. Locate the access panel on the outside of the furnace
This panel is under the air intake hole, precisely between the air blower system and the air outlet. Usually, these filters can be found inside the front of the furnace. You may need to remove the screws on the front panel of the furnace or or remove it from the retaining latch to access the filter. Furnace filtration systems may also have their own access door.
Make sure you turn off the stove and/or HVAC system before opening it
Step 2. Remove the filter by pulling it up and out of place
In general, the filter can be removed quite easily. To prevent damage to the filter and/or furnace, do not pull it forcefully. If the filter appears to be stuck, look carefully and make sure that nothing is blocking it (such as dirt or dust).
Step 3. Check the filter for dust or damage
If the filter looks dirty, you will need to clean or replace it, depending on the type of filter.
- If you're not sure the filter is dirty, light it up and observe its condition. If you don't see light coming through the filter, it's dirty and needs to be replaced. A dirty filter will draw dust and dirt into the house instead of clean air, so the furnace will be forced to work harder to push air through the dust pile.
- If the type of filter used is not a single-use filter, you will need to clean it. First of all, clean the dust and dirt first. In general, you can use a mixture of water and soap to wash the furnace filter.
- Make sure you let the filter dry completely before placing it back in the furnace.
- Most furnaces use single-use filters. If your stove has one too, take the old filter to your local hardware or furniture store (or note the size and/or model number), and buy a replacement filter of the same make and type.
Step 4. Install a new filter or a cleaned filter into the furnace
Put the filter back into the furnace until it fits properly. After that, close the access door or replace the front panel of the furnace and secure it with latches or screws.
If the filter does not fit snugly, make sure that there is no dust or dirt blocking it. If you have a new filter that doesn't fit, double check to make sure you bought the correct type or size
Step 5. Don't forget to check the filter regularly
Furnace filters should be replaced or cleaned three to four times a year. Put a reminder on the calendar to check on his condition regularly. For example, you could check the filter every three months.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Air Duct Circuit
Step 1. Unplug the power from the furnace
Make sure all power connected to the furnace unit, including the backup battery system or mains is disconnected. A power source that is not turned off prior to the furnace circuit cleaning process could result in electric shock and/or serious injury.
Step 2. Remove the front furnace panel
To clean the ductwork, you usually have to remove the entire front panel, even if your stove has a special door to clean the filter. To remove the panel, you may need to loosen the retaining screws or remove the panel from the supporting hinges.
Step 3. Slide the fan out of the furnace
Most fans have special mounting brackets that can be easily removed and attached to the furnace frame. The fan can also be connected with a cable. If this is true, note the parts that are connected to the fan before removing it. This will make it easier for you to reassemble the furnace.
- You can attach a small piece of duct tape to each cable and label it to make the reinstallation process easier – just make sure you remove the tape label before reattaching the cables to the airflow fan.
- Some fans are held in place with screws or bolts; remove this holder with a screwdriver or wrench to remove the fan. Place the screws or bolts in a secure place so they don't get lost before you're ready to screw the fan back into place.
Step 4. Clean the air supply circuit in the furnace
Dish soap and water are generally sufficient to clean this area. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the fan blades and the small crevices between them.
The air supply circuit is the component that sucks air through the back of the furnace, pushes it out the front, and generates heat. If these components are dirty, the furnace will push dust and dirt from the home ventilation system. Therefore, it is very important to clean the circuit properly
Step 5. Clean the engine assembly with a vacuum cleaner
Use a low-power vacuum cleaner to clean the fan blades and engine belt to remove all the dust. If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, you can wipe the belt with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 6. Replace the air supply fan circuit into the furnace
After the circuit is clean and dry, put it back into the holder as before. If you have to disconnect several cables to remove the air supply circuit, reattach the cables and make sure you connect them in the correct places.
Don't forget to re-plug the furnace power cord and turn it on after you've finished cleaning the air supply fan circuit
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning the Heat Transfer Block
Step 1. Turn off the furnace
Unplug all power connections installed in the furnace. If the stove is gas powered, you will also need to turn off the gas.
Step 2. Remove the dust from the block
Use a brush to remove the black spots on each of the rooms in the heat transfer block. You can also use a damp cloth to clean it.
Step 3. Clean the block assembly with a vacuum cleaner
Use the flat attachment of the vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the chambers of the heat supply block. With a vacuum cleaner, you can ensure that all the dust that has fallen from the heat transfer circuit can be cleaned.
Don't forget to plug the power cord back in and turn on the furnace when you're done cleaning the heat supply block with a vacuum cleaner
Tips
- If your stove has vents or ventilation ducts, you can also clean the dust and debris inside with a vacuum cleaner.
- If the furnace does not function properly even after you have cleaned the filters, fans, and heat outlets, contact an electronics repair professional to have the appliance inspected, cleaned, or repaired.
