Do I really need to replace my furnace?
It depends on how old your furnace is and the cost to get a new furnace. A good rule of thumb is, no matter the age of the furnace, if the cost to repair is 50% of the cost of a new furnace, you should replace it. But for less expensive repairs, you should be less resistant to replacing the furnace the older it is.
How much is your annual furnace cleaning?
How much does it cost to have your furnace cleaned? On average, a furnace cleaning can cost anywhere between $50 and $300. The exact price depends on the current state of your furnace and the amount of upkeep and maintenance that needs to be done as part of the cleaning.
How often does a furnace need to be replaced?
Q: How often does a furnace need to be replaced? A: The quick answer is that most furnaces last 15-20 years with regular annual scheduled maintenance, and minor repairs along the way. The longer answer however, is that furnaces can fail much sooner or last even longer based on the factors discussed below.
How to maintain and service your home furnace?
- Check and potentially replace or clean the filter
- Check thermostat operation
- Run the furnace in heating mode and record temperature readings from both the return air ducts and the supply or heating ducts, to be sure the heating output is within ...
- In the combustion chamber, check and clean the burner, crossover, and igniter
How do you clean a dirty furnace?
1:365:38Furnace Maintenance: Cleaning Your Furnace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to need a vacuum some compressed air and a soft bristle brush for the next. Part vacuumMoreYou're going to need a vacuum some compressed air and a soft bristle brush for the next. Part vacuum the inside where you can. Reach. Use the soft bristle brush to gently dust the gas assembly.
How do I clean my furnace myself?
Remove the Combustion Chamber Door. ... Vacuum Out the Burner and Blower Cavities. ... Vacuum and Brush the Blower Blades. ... Change the Furnace Filter. ... Blow Dust Off the Pilot. ... Dust the Hot Surface Igniter Without Touching It. ... Lubricate Bearings if Necessary. ... Seal Leaky Air Ducts.
How do I know if my furnace needs cleaning?
5 Signs it's Time for a Furnace CleaningYou're Struggling to Get and Keep the Temperature You Want. Given that your furnace's entire job is to warm your home, it's frustrating when that isn't happening. ... Strange Odors from the Furnace. ... Yellow or Orange Flame. ... Strange Noises from the Furnace. ... Reduced Indoor Air Quality.
How often should furnace be cleaned?
once a yearAs a general rule, the average furnace should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. This will not only maintain the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system, but it'll also keep your ducts from getting grimy and distributing dust and dirt throughout your home.
Can you use a shop vac to clean a furnace?
A regular vacuum or a shop vac and a sink or garden hose are some of the most important tools for cleaning a permanent furnace filter. Beyond that, simple household items like toothbrushes, scrub brushes, toothpicks and cotton swabs are also useful to clean the furnace and its vents.
How long should it take to clean a furnace?
1.5 to 2 hoursOn average, a furnace cleaning will take 1.5 to 2 hours to professionally clean. But depending on the condition of the furnace, the size of the home extra time may be required to clean your furnace fully. A furnace cleaning and tune-ups includes: Inspect and clean heat exchanger for cracks or blocking.
How do I clean my furnace in the winter?
Check the following list to be sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter.Turn on the thermostat. ... Change the air filters. ... Cover the AC condenser. ... Clean the heat exchanger. ... Lubricate and clean the blower motor. ... Test the igniter switch. ... Inspect the chimney and carbon monoxide detectors.More items...
How do you clean a gas furnace?
5:009:27Furnace Maintenance: How to Clean Your Furnace Burners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow it's important when you take the burners off that you keep track of which side is up and whichMoreNow it's important when you take the burners off that you keep track of which side is up and which side is down it might not seem like it makes that big a difference and on every furnace it might not
How long does it take to clean a furnace?
1.5 to 2 hoursOn average, a furnace cleaning will take 1.5 to 2 hours to professionally clean. But depending on the condition of the furnace, the size of the home extra time may be required to clean your furnace fully. A furnace cleaning and tune-ups includes: Inspect and clean heat exchanger for cracks or blocking.
How do you clean a gas furnace?
0:009:27How to Clean Your Furnace Burners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this video i'm going to show you how to clean the burners in your furnace. Don't forget toMoreIn this video i'm going to show you how to clean the burners in your furnace. Don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications. Let's go change and get this done come on. We're going to go over the
How do I clean my furnace blower?
2:348:59How to Clean Your Furnace Blower Fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a variety of tools i've got some wire brushes a toothbrush i've got an air compressorMoreYou can use a variety of tools i've got some wire brushes a toothbrush i've got an air compressor and a vacuum.
How do I clean my furnace in the winter?
Check the following list to be sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter.Turn on the thermostat. ... Change the air filters. ... Cover the AC condenser. ... Clean the heat exchanger. ... Lubricate and clean the blower motor. ... Test the igniter switch. ... Inspect the chimney and carbon monoxide detectors.More items...
Why do you need to clean a furnace?
Cleaning the furnace also gives you a close look at how its components are holding up to wear and tear. You might catch an easy DIY repair now before it turns into an expensive service call in the middle of a hard freeze.
Why do you clean furnace burners?
Cleaning them improves your heater’s gas combustion process, and that helps hold down heating bills. • Remove metal housing to expose burner chamber.
What is furnace filter?
Furnace filters reduce airborne contaminants throughout the house, and they help protect equipment from accumulating dust and debris. The three most common types of filters are:
What is the most important part of a furnace?
3. Heat Exchanger. The heat exchanger is usually a block assembly of coils with several chambers. It’s one of the furnace’s most important parts because it heats air circulating through the unit. • Remove vented cover for access to heat exchanger. • Clean each block chamber with bristle brush.
Where is the furnace filter located?
Furnace Filter. While some filters are inserted behind a grill in the wall or ceiling, others are located on the furnace and even inside the blower compartment. All are easy to replace or clean, and they play a dual role in efficient operation.
Is furnace cleaning an annual routine?
It’s an important annual routine that keeps the house warm and the family safe. While we offer expert furnace cleaning services to Chicago homeowners, it’s a project you can do yourself with a few tools and a little patience.
Does ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba clean furnaces?
When you need help getting the house ready for another cold season, ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba is ready to answer your call.
How often do I need to clean my furnace?
You should plan on an annual whole-furnace cleaning, preferably in fall before the weather turns cold. That way, your furnace will be operating at optimal levels when it's needed most.
Why is it important to keep a furnace clean?
Keeping your furnace clean is important in order to have it run properly in winter (or year-round if you have whole-house air conditioning). A clean furnace will burn less fuel -- thus saving you money -- and extend the life of the unit.
What kind of filter do I need?
Your furnace manual will tell you what kind of filter you need. If it's a disposable filter, the manual should indicate what size, and recommend either a pleated or non-pleated variety. Disposable filters are readily available at hardware and big box stores, and often come in a package of three or four.
How do I clean my washable filter?
Unlike a disposable filter, which has a cardboard frame, a washable filter can be submerged into water if necessary. Clean your washable filter every few months, a process that should take no longer than 20-30 minutes. Here are the steps you should take:
What is the MERV rating for furnace filters?
When purchasing a filter for your furnace, you will see a measurement on the package called a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, value. MERV numbers range from 1 to 16, with higher numbers being better at removing pollutants from the air. A MERV rating of 6-12 is considered good for most homes. If you are a smoker or have multiple pets or bad allergies, purchase a filter with a MERV that's at the higher end.
How long does it take to clean a furnace filter?
Doing a full-furnace clean is a more complex process that will take three to four hours. For most homeowners, it's a job that's better left for an HVAC professional.
Can you replace a furnace filter?
There is one task of furnace maintenance that anyone can -- and should -- do, however, and that's replacing the filter. Your furnace filter traps dust, dirt, allergens and more so that it doesn't impede the ability of the furnace's systems to function. A good filter also keeps pollutants out of the air so you are not breathing them. The following tips will show you how to clean or replace it, simply and easily, and we'll also discuss what is involved in the more thorough cleaning that a professional might do.
How to remove soot from furnace?
A buildup of soot can cause the chamber walls to corrode, significantly reducing the furnace’s lifespan. Scrape out the built-up carbon using a small wire brush, then remove the loose materials using an industrial shop vacuum. You also should inspect the chamber for holes or corrosion before replacing the cover.
What to do if your filter is too dirty?
If the filter is too dirty or old, consider replacing it.
Where is the red power switchplate on a furnace?
Access the electrical and fuel supply and turn it off. You can find the distinctive red power switchplate at the cellar stairs or near the burner itself. The fuel shutoff valve will be near the oil tank or on the incoming gas pipe.
Does removing a furnace make it work better?
By removing these items, the furnace will function more efficiently, so heat up the house better. You also will breathe easier and better without any debris in the air.
Is it normal for a furnace to have dirt on the filter?
The quality of air in the house and the furnace’s effectiveness are highly dependent on the cleanliness of the air filter, so you should ensure that the filter is dirt-free.
Can you clean your furnace yourself?
While this is good as the service providers inspect the rest of the furnace and fix any underlying issues, does it mean you are doomed if you can’t afford to hire the service providers? Absolutely not, as you can always do the cleaning yourself.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Furnace?
Annual servicing is cheap—typically less than $100 —especially when compared with the price of a new furnace. “You wouldn’t wait more than a year to service your car,” Richard says. “The heat in your house is just as important.”
How Often Should Furnace Be Cleaned?
Before chilly autumn nights set in, you need to make an appointment for your annual furnace maintenance. Without this yearly cleaning and inspection, a system can wear itself out quickly, pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home, or simply stop working.
Where is the red switchplate on a furnace?
The distinctive red power switchplate can usually be found at the top of the cellar stairs or near the burner itself , while the fuel shutoff valve is near the oil tank or on the incoming gas pipe. Note the location of both in case of a future leak or fire.
What to do in the fall for a house?
The fall is a good time for homeowners to remove floor registers and vacuum out the ducts, which are magnets for dust, pet hair, small toys, and food scraps. All of this reduces its efficiency, forcing you to crank up the heat. You'll also breathe a little easier without this debris in the air.
How to keep records of furnace filter?
Keep records of when you cleaned your filter. Each time you clean your filter, make a note of it. Write it down on a physical calendar or one in your home. Make a note of when the filter needs to be changed next. This will help you stay proactive about cleaning your furnace filter. [11]
How to clean a reusable filter?
To clean a reusable filter, remove the filter carefully, run it under water, and set it out to dry. When you're done, your filter should be clean and can be reinstalled. Steps.
Where is the filter on a furnace?
Locate the filter. Inside the furnace, you should see a filter. Usually, the filter is either just inside the furnace or just inside the air vent. The filter should have an arrow on it indicating airflow direction. [2]
Do furnace filters need to be cleaned?
Learn more... If you have a home with a furnace, your filter will need periodic cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. Make sure your filter is reusable. Reusable filters should be labeled as such and are usually made of plastic-like materials. If your filter is not reusable, replaceable/disposable filters are available ...
Can you remove a furnace filter while it is running?
Never remove a furnace filter while the furnace is running. Make sure to switch the furnace off before you begin.There is usually a handle somewhere near the furnace that can be switched off. [1] If you're unsure how to turn off your furnace, contact your landlord or the manufacturer. Locate the filter.
Can you reuse a furnace filter?
Make sure the filter is reusable. If your filter has a plastic frame, it's a reusable model. You can clean it out and place it back in your furnace. [5]
Do you need a special cleaner for a water filter?
No special cleaners are required. You simply rinse your filter under running water water to remove any dirt, dust, or debris caught in the filter. When necessary, turn the filter around to get all the sides clean.
How to remove carbon deposits from furnace ignitor?
The same is true for a hot surface ignitor, so if you find the furnace is slow to ignite at start-up, it may be covered with carbon deposits, and you may be able to remove some by blasting the ignitor probe with compressed air. Cans of compressed air come with long applicators that look like straws, and if you point the applicator directly at the probe, the blast of air might do the trick.
What is a high efficiency furnace?
A high-efficiency furnace with an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 90 or more usually has a hot surface ignitor, and many standard efficiency furnaces have them too. However, if you hear clicking when the furnace is starting, the furnace has a spark ignitor. When an ignitor malfunctions, you can clean it, but they have short life spans, ...
How to tell if furnace ignitor is on?
How to Identify a Furnace Ignitor. When you open the access panel of most furnaces, you can see the burners right in front of you. One end of each of the four burners is exposed, and the other end extends past a metal wall and into the com bustion chamber. The ignitor is usually mounted on this wall close to the first burner, ...
What happens if a furnace is slow to ignite?
The same is true for a hot surface ignitor, so if you find the furnace is slow to ignite at start-up, it may be covered with carbon deposits, and you may be able to remove some by blasting the ignitor probe with compressed air.
What is a pilot in a gas furnace?
Every gas furnace needs a system to ignite the gas, and for much of the 20th century, the only system available was a standing pilot, which is a flame that burns continuously and ignites the gas like a match . Late in the century, manufacturers introduced spark ignitors that were first used to ignite the pilot flame but eventually ignited the burner directly, thus eliminating the pilot. The most recent development is the hot surface ignitor, which is a resistive heating element that needs a little time to warm up and glow red hot before it can do its job.
What is a standing pilot in a furnace?
Every gas furnace needs a system to ignite the gas, and for much of the 20th century, the only system available was a standing pilot, which is a flame that burns continuously and ignites the gas like a match. Late in the century, manufacturers introduced spark ignitors that were first used to ignite the pilot flame but eventually ignited ...
Does a furnace have an ignition system?
Depending on its age and efficiency, your furnace could have any one of these ignition systems, but it would have to be very old to have a pilot, which is the least energy-efficient of all the ignitors. A high-efficiency furnace with an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 90 or more usually has a hot surface ignitor, ...
