If you are asking, does gas furnace need to be cleaned? Yes, it does, and you should do it at least once a year or once every 6 months if you are using it too often or have pets in the house. You can do the cleaning by yourself or hire a furnace service provider to help you out.

How to clean a gas furnace

If you have the skills, you should go ahead and do the cleaning. To do it, the first thing is to collect the necessary equipment. These include: emery cloth, screwdrivers, straw, lightweight machine oil, vacuum, new furnace filter, and a small bristled brush.

Once you have the right tools, now proceed to the cleaning:

Step 1: Turn off gas to the furnace

You don’t want gas leaking from your furnace so you should shut it off by giving the valve a ¼ turn.

Step 2: Clean the furnace surfaces

To reduce the amount of dust on the appliance, wipe the exterior with a damp rag. You should then remove the furnace access door and then loosen the screws to remove the burner cover.

Using a shop vac or household vacuum, vacuum the burners and furnace base. Don’t shy away from using the extensions if necessary.

While you are at it, inspect the furnace for soot signs that indicate poor combustion and need for cleaning.

Step 3: Remove the blower

To remove the blower, you need to unscrew the control panel blocking the blower and let it hang. You should then use a socket and ratchet to remove the bolts holding the blower. Once you have removed the bolts, gently remove the blower.

Step 4: Clean the blower

While taking care not to disturb the wiring and counterweights on the fan blades, carefully clean the blower with a vacuum and small brush. Remember failing to clean it thoroughly can throw it off balance.

Step 5: Clean the hot surface igniter or pilot

A dirty pilot light tends to give a false reading so to fix this, use a drinking straw to blow the dust off the pilot carefully. If you have a new furnace, you most likely have a hot surface igniter. If this is what you have, leave it in place and blow the dust off with a straw.

The igniter breaks easily, so take care you don’t touch it.

Step 6: Clean the flame sensor

A dirty sensor prevents the furnace from lighting, so you have to clean it. The best way to clean the flame sensor is by using fine emery cloth. To do the cleaning, pull the flame sensor down and out of its bracket then slide it back in after cleaning.

Step7: Inspect the drive belt

If you have had your furnace for a long time, there are chances the drive belt is worn out. Inspect the belt for fraying or cracks and if worn out, don’t risk it. Instead, replace it immediately. For best results, install the new belt so that the new belt deflects ½-3/4 inches.

Step 8: Lubricate the blower motor and shaft.

You want the furnace running as smoothly as possible, and for this to happen, you need to lubricate the motor and shaft bearings with lubricating oil. When applying the oil, avoid overdoing it. A good rule of thumb is to apply 2-3 drops of lubricating oil. Don’t overdo it.

Step 9: Clean the air filters

If you got replaceable air filters, clean them. If the filters are too dirty or can’t replace them, replace them with newer and better filters. When buying the new filters, don’t buy those with high efficiency without checking the manufacturer recommendations. You can strain the blower motor and end up sabotaging the furnace’s efficiency.

Step 10: Activate the burners.

Once everything is in place, turn the gas back on and activate the burners by turning up the thermostat. Pay attention to the flame colors and ensure they are even and blue.

If the burners have yellow flames, don’t try adjusting them as you risk causing serious damage. Instead, contact a furnace repair services Falls Church to do the job.

Step 11: Adjust the dampers.

If your heating ducts also serve as AC ducts, adjust them for seasonal settings.