Spring is the time not only to have an HVAC professional check and troubleshoot your HVAC system, but also to do a bit of spring cleaning. Your furnace is one component of your HVAC system that should be kept clean, but there’s a right way to do so. Here are some things to avoid when spring cleaning your furnace.
Not Turning Off the Power
Before you start, make sure to turn off the power to the furnace at the breaker box. If your furnace is powered by gas or propane, turn off the gas supply. Keeping the power and fuel source on while you clean your furnace puts you at risk for injury.
Trying to Clean Every Part of the Furnace
Some components of your furnace should only be cleaned by a professional. This is especially true of elements that need to be taken apart to be properly cleaned and those responsible for the furnace’s safe operation. They include the heat exchanger, fuel valves and lines, electrical wiring, the igniter, the control board, and the blower motor.
Not Keeping Hazardous Materials Clear of the Furnace
Before cleaning the furnace, remove hazardous materials from the area. These include cans of gasoline, paint, bundles of newsprint, oil-soaked rags, and other flammable substances.
Not Keeping Vents and Registers Clear
Another thing to avoid when you’re cleaning your furnace is blocking the airflow through the registers and return air vents. These may be far from the furnace, but it’s important to ensure that furniture, rugs, or other items aren’t placed over them.
Using Harsh Chemicals
It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals when you clean your furnace. These chemicals can corrode elements of the furnace and impede their ability to work properly. Harsh chemicals are especially dangerous when used to clean the furnace’s electrical components.
Forgetting to Call in an HVAC Professional
It’s tempting to think that some spring cleaning is all that needs to be done when it comes to your furnace. An HVAC professional still needs to be called in, for they can spot problems that a layperson can’t. They can also deep clean components that you should not. This supports your furnace’s working life and saves you money in the long run.
Deep Cleaning
The best thing you can do when it comes to cleaning your furnace is to clear away debris, wipe down or vacuum the cabinet, change or clean the filter if it needs it, and make sure debris doesn’t accumulate around it. The heavy-duty cleaning should come in the fall after the furnace has had a rest during the cooling season. If you have concerns or require furnace repair services, contact Dilling Heating & Cooling in Charlotte, NC.
