Furnace Cleaning West Chester is a crucial part of maintaining a safe and efficient home heating system. Regular furnace cleaning can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your furnace.
Before beginning any work on the furnace, make sure that the power and gas are both turned off. This will protect you and the technicians from possible injuries.
There are several signs that a furnace needs cleaning. The most obvious sign is a noticeable increase in the amount of dust that blows around when the unit is running. The heat exchanger can also get dirty over time, and this can lead to a reduction in efficiency.
A dirty furnace can also cause problems with the ductwork. Dirty ducts can circulate airborne particles, which can lead to respiratory issues and allergic reactions in the home.
Getting your furnace cleaned can help to improve air quality and reduce allergens in the home, which can also lower energy bills and prevent costly repairs. In addition, getting a regular cleaning can extend the life of your furnace.
Before cleaning the combustion chamber, turn off the power and gas supply to the furnace. Open the access door, and use a wire brush to clean off any carbon deposits. Check the burners, and make sure they are cool before touching them. If they are hot, the unit is likely overheating or causing harmful carbon monoxide.
It is also important to inspect the exhaust flue for corrosion and any holes. These can be covered with foil tape. It is also important to lubricate the motor bearings and blower-shaft bearings. Doing so will improve efficiency and reduce wear and tear. Finally, you should vacuum the floor registers to remove any accumulated dust or pet hair.
Clean the Flue Pipe
If your furnace is gas-powered, the fumes it produces need to vent away from your home. These dangerous gases can wreak havoc if they aren’t allowed to escape the flue pipe, and it’s vital that this venting system is working properly.
A dirty flue pipe can cause carbon monoxide to escape into the house, which can be very dangerous for your family. If you notice that rooms don’t warm up as well when the furnace is running, or if you smell an odd odor such as a burning smell or a rotten egg odor, these are signs of a blocked flue pipe and should be addressed immediately.
The first step is to shut off power and gas flow to the furnace. Once this is done, it’s a good idea to put on protective gloves and eyewear before beginning to clean the flue pipe. Use a ladder to access the point where the flue pipe is located, usually near the roof. You’ll likely find a long tube of metal piping that’s capped with a flue cap. Remove this cap, and then clear the area around it to remove any debris.
You can also scrub the interior of the flue pipe to remove any additional debris. After cleaning, the flue cap should be replaced, and then you can restore the power and gas flow to your furnace. It’s a good idea to have a professional perform this work, as it can be dangerous.
Clean the Blower
The blower is the part of your furnace that blows heated air through your home’s ductwork. It is one of the three major components of your heating system, and like all other parts of your furnace, it should be cleaned regularly. Dirty blowers can cause problems such as inefficient heating, strange odors in your house, and excessive dust.
Before beginning, a technician will remove the access panel to the blower compartment and vacuum the blower fan and housing to clean out dust, dirt, and debris. This will allow the blower to operate more efficiently, reducing energy usage and saving you money.
Next, the technician will open the blower compartment and remove the blower wheel to inspect it for signs of wear and tear. Then they will disassemble the blower assembly, clean each part individually, and reassemble the entire assembly to restore it to factory condition. They will also replace the filter and re-lubricate the blower motor as needed.
The technician will also vacuum and wash the heat exchanger to remove soot and dust buildup. They will also clean and re-lubricate the flame sensor and igniter assembly to make sure everything is in good working order. Then they will reassemble the furnace, restoring power and gas to it, and turning it back on to test for proper operation. They will use drop cloths to protect the work area and follow all safety guidelines.
Clean the Filter
A furnace’s filter is responsible for trapping harmful contaminants, microorganisms, dust particles, and odors in the air as it circulates through your house. This makes it a good idea to check the filter often, but more importantly, to clean it as needed.
A dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of your system, making it more difficult to heat your home. It will also prevent the blower fan from moving and can cause the machine to malfunction or even break down. This is especially dangerous in the winter when you need your furnace most.
When you change or wash your filter, it takes away a large amount of the pollutants in your household, like mold spores, VOCs, smoke particles, and other allergens. This improves your indoor air quality and helps your family feel healthier and more comfortable.
To clean your filter, first make sure that the power and gas are turned off. It’s also a good idea to wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles. You should also open a window and turn on a fan to provide ventilation and reduce the risk of inhaling dirt or debris.
Once you’ve gathered your tools and turned off the power and gas, remove the dirty filter from its slot. You can usually do this by removing the metal panel, opening it, and pulling it out. Then, you can vacuum the large debris or rinse it in a utility sink and dry it before putting it back into place.
Clean the Flame Sensor
Although it may seem insignificant, a dirty flame sensor can disrupt your furnace’s functions. When this part becomes clogged with carbon, it will keep triggering the gas valve to shut down and prevent the system from heating your home. Fortunately, cleaning this small component is easy and inexpensive.
A dirty flame sensor usually looks covered in black soot. A clean one typically appears white or gold in color and has a ceramic base. Before you start working on your furnace, it’s a good idea to turn off the power and gas using your breaker switch or power outlet. This will prevent you from accidentally causing damage to the system while you work on it.
After you turn off the power and gas, remove the access panel from your furnace to locate the flame sensor. It should be near the burner assembly opposite from the ignitor. You can use a wire brush or very fine sandpaper to clean the sensor. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as it’s easy to damage this delicate part.
You can also try rubbing the sensor with a dollar bill, but this isn’t as effective and might damage the surface. After you’ve removed the soot from the flame sensor, carefully reinstall it by following the steps in reverse. Test your furnace to see if it operates normally. If not, it’s a good idea to call a professional for further inspection and repair.
Clean the Ductwork
The furnace’s ductwork circulates heated air throughout the home. The ductwork can become clogged with dust, debris, and mold over time. Regular cleaning removes these particles, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory problems. A clean duct system also works more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and heating costs.
If you notice dust accumulating around your vents or higher than usual energy bills, a dirty furnace is likely the culprit. These signs of a dirty furnace should not be ignored, as they can lead to costly repairs and even replacement. Regular furnace cleaning helps prevent these problems and extends the lifespan of your furnace.
Furnace cleaning begins with shutting down the power and gas supply to your furnace. A technician will then identify the access panels for the blower compartment, heat exchanger, and burners. They will then use specialized tools and vacuuming equipment to remove dirt and debris from these areas.
They will then use a long hose attachment to reach into the ductwork and remove any dust that has accumulated. They will also wipe down the vent covers and remove any rodents that may be stuck in the ducts. The ducts will then be cleaned with brushes to remove any major obstructions that could be impeding the flow of heated air. Once the ducts are clean, they will be reattached to the furnace and powered back on.