Guide to Furnace Cleaning

Why is Furnace Cleaning Important? 

While cleaning a furnace is not overly complicated, it does offer a number of benefits for the long-term health, efficiency, and reliability of your comfort system.

Most homeowners can take the first step by keeping the air filter cleaned or if they’re using a disposable filter, make sure that it is replaced per the manufacturer’s recommendations. While some basic internal cleaning can be performed by just about anybody, properly maintaining the internal components of a furnace, such as the blower or flame sensor will take a little more expertise – the kind that can be offered by your local Carrier expert. Find a dealer near you to speak with a Carrier expert about cleaning your furnace. Check out our home furnaces web page for a complete look at Carrier furnaces and a breakdown of key components and technologies that help make our heating products exceptional.

HOW TO CLEAN A FURNACE IN 4 STEPS

1. Turn off Power and Gas to the Furnace

Before attempting to clean your furnace, it’s always a good idea to shut off power to the unit and also shut off the gas. At this point it will be safe to remove the cabinet doors and begin light cleaning and dust/dirt removal using a small brush, damp cloth, vacuum or compressed air. Need help cleaning your furnace? Find a dealer near you and have a professional at Carrier assist you.

2. CLEAN THE BLOWER

Knowing how to clean a furnace blower isn’t just important for heating performance – if you clean the blower, it can improve the performance of your central air conditioning system as well. That’s because both use the same blower/air handler to circulate air into and out of the system. To do the job thoroughly, the first thing an HVAC professional might do is remove the blower assembly or “squirrel cage” to have better access for both inspecting and cleaning.

Keeping the blower assembly clean can help improve airflow and motor efficiency while reducing the risk for early motor failure. Replacing a blower can be an expensive repair, so keeping it operating at its best can help save money in the long run. And, by keeping the motor housing and blower motor cleaner and more dust-free, you might enjoy improved indoor air quality as well.

3. CLEAN THE FURNACE FLAME SENSOR

A furnace flame sensor is very important for safe operation of your furnace. Located on the burner assembly, it looks like a metallic rod. The flame sensor detects the presence of a flame when the gas is on, then shuts down the system if no flame is detected. A dirty flame sensor can cause a disruption of furnace operation, so calling an experienced HVAC technician who knows how to clean a furnace flame sensor can be a boost for safe and reliable operation.

To clean the sensor, your local HVAC system professional will turn off the furnace and remove the sensor from the burner assembly. Because the sensor is exposed to flame on a regular basis, it is prone to gritty build-up on its surface which will need to be lightly sanded and wiped off. If performance does not improve after a cleaning, the sensor may need to be replaced.

4. CLEAN THE FURNACE COILS

When we discuss how to clean furnace coils, we are actually talking about how to clean your evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is attached to your furnace cabinet and is a crucial component for your central air conditioner or heat pump. Keeping it clean will help maintain cooling or heating performance and energy efficiency.

To clean the coil, your HVAC service technician will typically turn off the system and remove the access panel from the coil cabinet. Techniques may vary, but some technicians will apply a “rinseless” coil cleaner spray and follow up with a soft, gentle brush to remove difficult-to-remove debris.

CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL FOR FURNACE CLEANING SERVICE

While the basics of furnace cleaning are rather simple, getting the job done right can help improve the lifetime and overall performance of your heating and cooling system. That’s why we always recommend that you contact a Carrier dealer to get an estimate for your home to get your furnace professionally cleaned. Your local Carrier expert can also evaluate your system’s performance, make needed repairs, and make recommendations for improved performance.

HOW MUCH DOES FURNACE CLEANING COST?

The cost of cleaning a furnace can vary based on the type of heating system, its condition, and whether any parts need repairs or replacement. Typically, cleaning costs include services like filter replacement, coil cleaning, and inspection of the burner or heat exchanger. Annual furnace cleanings not only improve efficiency, reducing energy bills, but also help prevent breakdowns and extend the system's lifespan. Many HVAC companies offer service plans or membership programs that cover regular furnace maintenance, offering a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring your heating system runs efficiently and reliably throughout the colder months.