2 Major Parts that Should Be Cleaned During Furnace Maintenance

If you have a gas forced air furnace, then you probably know that your heating system is fairly maintenance free. In fact, the unit will typically turn on and run for years if you fail to complete any maintenance tasks at all. However, basic maintenance is not something you want to overlook. The most basic of all maintenance tasks involves cleaning and cleaning should be performed to remove dust and debris from the three essential components. The parts include the filter and blower fan. Keep reading to learn why the parts need to be cleaned and also how cleaning can be completed.

Air Filter

Air filters are meant to capture dust and debris. In particular, they are made to remove foreign matter before the heated air is forced into your house. The filter in your furnace is positioned at the beginning of the air duct. This part of the duct is called the plenum and the filter is positioned in a square construction at the base of the plenum. Air filters should be changed at the beginning of the heating season and checked at least once a month. Some filters can remain in good shape for six months or more, but it is wise to check them regularly. 

When checking the air filter, you want to remove it and hold it up to the light. If the filter appears beige or off-white and if you can see through the filter without a problem, then it does not need to be cleaned or replaced. If you cannot see light through the filter, then it is time to clean it. This is also true if you can visually see signs of stains or dark brown or black accumulations on the filter.

You can purchase a new filter that matched the old one if you desire. Simply take the filter to your local home or HVAC store and match the numbers on the side of the filter casing. You can also vacuum the filter with your brush or hose attachment. If you do choose to  vacuum the filter, hold it up to the light when you are done. If you can see through the filter, then place it back in the furnace. If you cannot, then purchase a brand new one.

You want to either replace or clean the filter for a few different reasons. If the filter is dirty, it does not allow air to pass through into your ductwork. Heat then blows back into the furnace and energy is lost because the heat never makes it to your home. As the warmth blows back into the heater, the thermostat, motor, wiring, and belts in the system can start to overheat. This can cause a failure of one or more of these parts, so make sure to keep up on air filter maintenance.

Blower Fan

Most gas furnaces are fitted with blowers that contain a squirrel-cage fan. The fan sits in the center of the blower and is open in the middle. The fan is round and has several horizontal blades that sit around the circumference of the fan. As the fan spins around, the blades move air and force it up through the end of the blower. The air is then heated and air continues moving up through the air filter.

The blower fan pulls air into the blower from an outside exhaust. The exhaust usually pulls air in from the exterior of your home. If the weather is dry or if pollen and other debris are present in the air, then this debris can settle on the blades of the fan. The debris can then move up to the filter or it may attach to the blades and fill in the spaces between each one. When this happens, the fan can no longer move large volumes of air through the blower and a low air flow problem may be noted. 

It is wise to clean the fan blades to prevent this issue. To reach the blower and the fan, you will need to remove the front or side casing from the furnace. Release the screws from the casing so it can be pulled off. Locate the blower and look for the fan and the opening in the center of it. Use a flashlight to investigate the type of debris that may have solidified on the fan blades. Remove the debris afterwards with a damp cotton cloth. 

To learn more about furnace cleaning, contact services like Moore Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.