Can you clean your furnace yourself?

Author: Dr. Elyssa Rath IV  |  Last update: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Cleaning, changing filters, and lubricating your furnace are fairly straightforward steps in ensuring your unit will work efficiently for the season. It may take you a few hours to become familiar with all of its parts but once you have done it a few times, a furnace cleaning should take 1-2 hours.

Can you clean a furnace on your own?

Usually you don't have to remove burners on newer style furnaces and you can just run a cleaning brush through them. I always removed the blower and washed the wheel in the laundry tub otherwise it would only take 20 minutes to do a furnace maintenance.

How much does it cost to have your furnace cleaned?

The cost of furnace cleaning can vary depending on several factors, but on average, it ranges from $60 to $400. While this might seem like a wide range, the final price will depend on things like the size of the furnace, its condition, and the specific services included in the cleaning.

Can you use a shop vac to clean a furnace?

yes you can clean them with a shop vac and if the burners are not spreading the flame down the line and dance around yellow then they may need replacing or you could have a cracked heat exchanger and need this furnace inspected.

Can you service your own furnace?

It's inherently unsafe to try and work on your furnace system on your own, no matter what kind of furnace you have. Some homeowners think that just because they have an electric furnace, they can do the repairs on their own because it's not “burning gas,” but this isn't true at all.

Yearly Furnace Cleaning And Maintenance Pro Tips

How often should a furnace be cleaned?

Ideally, you would have your furnace serviced at least once a year. To elaborate on that point, you should have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any problems early on and to keep your furnace in top condition. Professional maintenance and cleaning provide many benefits, which we'll cover next.

What happens if you don't service your furnace?

When you skip a yearly furnace maintenance appointment, cracks can begin to form in the heat exchanger. As these cracks form, carbon monoxide begins to leak into your air vents.

How to clean the inside of a furnace?

How to clean a furnace? Turn off the power and cut off the fuel supply to the furnace, clean furnace surfaces and combustion chamber, remove the blower, clean the blower carefully, clean the flame sensor, lubricate the oil caps, replace the air filter, and activate the burners once you're done.

What's the difference between furnace cleaning and duct cleaning?

Regular duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality and prevent the buildup of harmful substances in the ducts. Furnace cleaning, on the other hand, refers to the cleaning and maintenance of the furnace itself. This includes tasks such as cleaning the burners, checking the blower motor, and replacing the air filter.

Can I just vacuum my furnace filter?

The filter media and electrical components will become damaged by liquids. Instead, use a soft brush attachment and vacuum cleaner to remove debris safely between recommended replacement intervals.

How do I know if my furnace needs cleaning?

Signs It's Time To Schedule a Furnace Cleaning
  1. High energy bills.
  2. Reduced heating efficiency.
  3. Unusual noises/frequent cycling.
  4. Funny smells.
  5. Increased allergies or respiratory issues.
  6. Dirt, debris, or clogged filters.
  7. Yellow furnace pilot light flame.

Do you tip the guy who cleans your furnace?

If the company allows their employees to receive tips, it's up to you to decide when and how much you'd like to tip, though cash is the preferred method of most professionals. Since your HVAC technician is providing a much-needed service in your home, it's customary to thank them with an additional tip.

What is included in a furnace tune up?

Inspection of Key Components

A certified technician will carefully examine your furnace, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues. This includes inspecting the heat exchanger, burner, ignition system, electrical connections, and thermostat.

Is it hard to clean a furnace?

Washing or replacing your filter regularly will keep your furnace running smoothly and will ensure the air you breathe is clean and fresh. 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 I vacuum the inside of my furnace?

A thorough vacuuming could remove a lot of the unwanted accumulations inside the furnace. Adhere to smart steps for safety before starting. Shutting off both the gas flow and electrical power to the furnace is among the recommended safety steps.

How do I clean my furnace ducts myself?

How to Clean Your Air Ducts
  1. Turn Your System Off. Turn off the thermostat to your system. ...
  2. Remove and Clean the Grilles. ...
  3. Loosen the Debris in the Supply Duct. ...
  4. Vacuum Out the Ducts. ...
  5. Replace Your Air Filters. ...
  6. Replace the Grilles and Vent Covers. ...
  7. Reset the Thermostat.

Why is duct cleaning so expensive?

Factors Influencing Air Duct Cleaning Costs

Size of Home/HVAC System: Larger homes with more ductwork naturally require more time and effort to clean, leading to higher costs.

What do they do during furnace cleaning?

As part of routine furnace maintenance, your furnace technician will:
  • Clean the blower motor and test its operation.
  • Measure for optimal airflow.
  • Test the gas pressure and check for leaks.
  • Clean and inspect the heat exchanger and combustion chamber assembly.
  • Inspect for loose wires and electrical connections.

How much does a furnace cleaning cost?

While a standard furnace cleaning costs about $60 to $150, you'll spend around $150 to $400 for an advanced cleaning package. Even if you keep up with regular cleanings, from time to time you'll need to spend a little more for the deep clean to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape, inside and out.

How to service your furnace yourself?

How to Perform Furnace Maintenance: Step-by-Step
  1. Turn Off & Remove Chamber Door. ...
  2. Inspect Burner Flames. ...
  3. Vacuum Out Burner & Blower Compartment. ...
  4. Remove and Clean the Blower. ...
  5. Change the Furnace Filter. ...
  6. Blow Dust Off the Pilot. ...
  7. Clean the Flame Sensor. ...
  8. Inspect the Drive Belt.

How long does it take a professional to clean a furnace?

On average, furnace cleaning and tune-up services last just one to two hours. During these appointments, our technicians inspect all interior and exterior furnace components, calibrate thermostats, and inspect and clean furnace venting systems. We also: Inspect heat exchangers for build-ups, blockages, and cracks.

Why is my furnace making my house dusty?

Top Reasons for Increased Dust in the Home
  • Dirty Air Filter. ...
  • Air Duct Leaks. ...
  • Dirty Ducts. ...
  • Replace the Air Filter. ...
  • Air Purification. ...
  • Clean Your Duct System. ...
  • Reseal Air Ducts.

How much does a furnace inspection cost?

Furnace inspections cost $100 on average, depending on the type of furnace and its size. Most people spend between $80 and $200. A furnace inspection costs $100 on average, but prices can range from $50 on the low end to $300 or more.

How do I know if my furnace needs maintenance?

7 Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-Up
  1. There Is No Heat Being Generated.
  2. Your Energy Bills Have Increased.
  3. Strange Smell Coming From Your Furnace.
  4. Cranking the Thermostat Doesn't Raise the Temperature.
  5. Pilot Light Is Orange or Yellow.
  6. Frequent Repairs Are Needed.
  7. Your Furnace Is Old.

How much should a furnace tune-up cost?

The average furnace tune-up cost is $100 but can range from $70-200, depending on where you live and whether you have a gas furnace or an oil furnace.

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