3 Ways to Clean Your Furnace

Keeping a furnace clean requires a bit of work, but it’s definitely a place where a little bit of effort goes a long way. Proper maintenance can increase the life span of your furnace, reduce the chances of a breakdown, and even improve the quality of the air in your house. Here are three ways to clean your heater.

1. Replace or Clean the Filter

The filter is one of the easiest parts to clean, yet it's one that often goes neglected. If you haven’t been cleaning or replacing your filter regularly, then it’s time to get in there and get it done. Determine if you have a disposable filter or not, and then replace it if you do and clean it if not. By removing all the accumulated dirt and dust, you’re making it much easier for your furnace to deliver hot air to your home. You may see a decrease in heating costs or an increase in how quickly your home heats up when you turn the heater on.

2. Clean the Flame Sensor

The flame sensor can become pretty dirty over time. However, there is a certain amount of finesse involved in cleaning off the sensor, so you can’t just dive right in with a vacuum. Emery cloth is a good choice for removing the residue without damaging the sensor.

3. Clean the Heat Exchanger Block

Heat exchanger blocks are pretty easy to clean with a rag and a vacuum. Power off the furnace, disconnect the gas if it’s a gas furnace, and get to work with a rag. Wipe off as much of the grime and dirt as you can. It’s not critical that you remove it all now; you just need to loosen it enough for the vacuum to get after it. Once you’ve wiped it down, clean out as much as you can with a vacuum hose. Our team at New River Heating & Air in Radford can also carry out this task for you.

If your furnace needs more cleaning than you’re comfortable providing, you can trust the professionals at New River Heating & Air. From our NATE-certified technicians and 24/7 emergency services to our 2017 Angie's List Super Service Award, we can be trusted to keep your furnace running through thick and thin. Contact us today for all your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, water heater, and vent cleaning needs.