How To Properly Maintain and Clean a Gas Heater

Preventative gas furnace cleaning and maintenance will keep your heater running efficiently and ensure your system provides years of reliable service. Investing a few hours in gas furnace cleaning will keep your furnace in peak condition and avoid emergency repairs.

Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, the age and condition of the furnace, and its operating environment, performing maintenance on your gas furnace annually is recommended. Cleaning should be done before the start of the heating season to ensure it operates efficiently and safely during the colder months. The following are the basics of cleaning and maintaining your gas heater:

Safety First

Before getting started, turn off both the power (circuit breaker) and the gas supply (valve) to the furnace. Taking these precautionary steps ensures safety while working on the unit. Also, be sure to wear protective gear such as a face mask, safety glasses, and gloves when cleaning.

Gather Your Supplies

Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure you have the appropriate supplies on hand:

• Screwdrivers
• Ratchet & socket set
• Vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment
• Small, stiff-bristled brush
• New furnace filter
• Emery cloth
• Straw
• Lightweight machine oil

Clean the Burners

Start by wiping exterior surfaces with a damp rag. Lift the furnace access door up and out to remove it. Loosen the screws and remove the burner cover (if you have one). Vacuum the burners and furnace base using a shop vac or household vacuum with a wand/upholstery attachment. Use extensions if necessary, doing your best to reach the back. Lift the blower door to vacuum the compartment. Keep an eye out for soot, which indicates poor combustion and would require more attention.

Clean the Heat Exchanger

Open the access panels on the furnace to gain access to the heat exchanger. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safely opening the panels. Once the panels are removed, visually inspect the heat exchanger for any visible signs of dirt, dust, soot, or corrosion. Look for cracks or damage that might require immediate attention. If there is stubborn buildup, you can use a soft brush to loosen and remove the debris carefully.

Clean the Blower

Gently clean the blower with a vacuum, being careful not to disturb the wiring and counterweights on the fan blades. Use a small brush to remove dirt or dust that may still be stuck.

Clean the Ductwork

Use a screwdriver to remove the vent covers. Insert the vacuum hose with the brush attachment into each duct and carefully vacuum the dust, debris, and loose dirt from the ductwork. Work your way from the furthest vent back toward the furnace to avoid pushing dirt further into the system. Use a brush or broom to gently agitate the duct walls and dislodge the buildup. Be careful not to damage the ducts while doing this. Part of your furnace maintenance plan should be to have your ductwork thoroughly cleaned on an annual basis.

Test the Furnace

After cleaning the gas furnace and reassembling all components, turn on the gas supply and power. Then, set the thermostat to the desired temperature and observe the furnace's ignition, flame, and heating performance to ensure it operates smoothly and efficiently. If you notice a problem or something doesn’t seem right during testing, shut the furnace off and contact a local professional to have it checked out.

Benefits of Cleaning Your Gas Furnace

Many benefits come with keeping your gas furnace clean. Regularly cleaning your gas furnace extends its lifespan, ensures safe operation, improves energy efficiency, and helps maintain better indoor air quality. Regular cleaning can also help you spot and resolve problems early, which can help prevent costly repairs or a replacement.