Have you ever felt a little too chilly in the fall? Or that your heating isn’t reaching every room? This may be a sign that you need to clean your furnace. With the air beginning to cool it’s important to check if your furnace is ready for the winter months. A clean furnace is essential for a warm and healthy home. Making sure it’s clean can ensure furnace efficiency, lower risks of repairs, and prevention of irritating existing health issues.
This guide will walk you through the importance of furnace cleaning, what’s involved in the process, and how you can keep your furnace running smoothly all season long.
What’s Involved in Furnace Cleaning?
Because it is such a large appliance, furnace cleaning is a multi-step process that is best completed through the service of a professional. There are steps, like changing the filter, which could be completed individually, but for your safety the most efficient option is to acquire the services of professionals. Technicians can assess your furnace’s condition to identify any potential issues, and skillfully restore it to its proper state.
Steps in the cleaning process can include:
- Turn Off the Power: Before any cleaning can begin it’s crucial to make sure the furnace is turned off, and the fuel supply is cut off.
- Dusting and Vacuuming: The furnace surface, chambers, and flame sensor can be cleaned through dusting and vacuuming. In addition to this, the blower can be removed and cleaned carefully. Cleaning these areas ensures proper airflow throughout the ventilation system.
- Filter Replacement: As you clean each section of the furnace, it’s important to remember to replace the air filter. Replacing the air filter prevents restricted airflow and improves furnace efficiency.
- Lubrication: It’s important to lubricate the furnace’s fan motor to reduce friction and wear.
- Testing and Adjustments: Technicians test the furnace to ensure its operating correctly and tehy will make any necessary adjustments. This can include testing safety controls, such as the limit switch and the gas pressure regulator.
- Activate the Burners: After your furnace has been cleaned, you’re all set to turn on the burners and enjoy the warmth.
Why Is Cleaning Your Furnace So Important?
Your furnace works hard all winter to keep your family comfortable. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate in the system. This buildup can lead to a variety of problems.
- Poor Air Quality: As the buildup spreads throughout your heating system and blows into your rooms, dust and allergens can begin to circulate. This can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems like asthma. Cleaning your furnace not only protects your health, but keeps your rooms fresh, rather than stuffy.
- Reduced Efficiency: When your furnace is dirty, heat can be blocked from getting to various areas, which triggers your furnace to start working overtime. This can lead to inefficient heating and higher energy bills.
- Increased Risk of Breakdowns: In addition to reduced efficiency, buildup within your furnace can cause further malfunctions and create the risk of overheating. This can lead to expensive repairs.
- Safety Hazards: In extreme cases, a neglected furnace can pose a fire risk. Your home is your safe place, and the risk of a fire due to a dirty furnace is completely preventable.
- Furnace Replacement: As you inspect your furnace, there is the possibility of finding significant damage that would require a furnace replacement. It’s safer to replace rather than go through the winter with a dysfunctional furnace.
Regular furnace cleaning helps prevent issues in heating quality, and ensures your system operates at peak performance. Cleanings can also operate as safety measures from potential fires or other electrical issues.
How Often Should I Clean My Furnace?
Ideally, you should have your furnace professionally cleaned once a year, preferably before the heating season (October through March). However, factors like pets, allergies, and the age of your furnace might require more frequent cleanings.
Can I Clean My Furnace Myself?
As discussed earlier, you can certainly replace your furnace filter regularly, but a thorough furnace cleaning requires specialized knowledge and tools. It’s recommended to hire a qualified HVAC technician for this task. Attempting to clean your furnace yourself could lead to damage or even injury.
Lee’s Air Conditioning Company: Your Partner in Furnace Cleaning
When selecting an HVAC company for furnace cleaning it’s important to choose a company with a proven track record and certified technicians. At Lee’s we provide quick services to guarantee your appliances are working at their full functionality.
Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter. Schedule a professional furnace cleaning today and enjoy a warm, comfortable, and healthy home all season long!