How often do you need to clean your furnace blower?

Author: Kaela Herzog  |  Last update: Sunday, October 19, 2025

How often should you clean your furnace blower? Generally, it's recommended to clean it at least once a year. However, if you notice signs of reduced airflow, unusual noises, or increased dust, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

Is furnace blower cleaning necessary?

Most blower wheels need to be pulled and cleaned every 3-5 years, depending on usage and the home. A dirty blower wheel can negatively affect the airflow in your HVAC unit, causing your heat exchanger to overheat and AC coils to freeze. It will also reduce the efficiency of your blower motor and your entire system.

How much does it cost to clean a furnace blower?

The average furnace cleaning cost is about $150, although prices often range from around $70 to $400, depending on the type of furnace, size of the furnace system, and where the furnace is located in your home.

How often should you clean a furnace fan?

Step 3: Clean the Blower Motor And Fan

Every two months, you should remove the cover and clean the blower motor and fan with a vacuum or compressed air.

How do you clean a furnace blower?

Using a toothbrush or paintbrush, you can clean between the fan blades, motor housing, and the entire unit itself. Additionally, a vacuum will be good to keep the dust down and suck up any clump of grime that gets left behind.

From To Do... To Done - Cleaning a Blower Motor

How often should furnace vents be cleaned?

Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.

What happens if the blower wheel is dirty?

Having a dirty blower wheel will make your HVAC system work harder and, if not addressed, eventually cause your AC system to stop working. A dirty blower wheel will also contribute to a high electric bill.

How much does a furnace cleaning cost?

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.

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.

Can you clean a blower wheel without removing it?

There are some no-rinse cleaning solutions that you can safely spray around your blower wheel to wash away dust and debris. Use this on your blower wheel to remove deep-seated dirt, stubborn debris, and more without having to remove the wheel.

How long does a furnace cleaning take?

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.

How long should a furnace blower last?

Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.

Can a blower remove dust?

A: Yes, a blower function in a vacuum cleaner is highly useful, especially for outdoor cleaning tasks or in situations where vacuuming alone isn't enough to remove dust or debris. It can be used to dislodge dust from hard-to-reach areas or for blowing leaves and debris off patios and driveways.

What happens if you don't clean your furnace?

Poor Indoor Air Quality

When you don't maintain your furnace, it doesn't take long for the air filter to become completely clogged with dust, debris and even mold. Once the air filter can no longer keep particles out, your furnace and your ducts become coated with these nasty airborne particles.

What does furnace cleaning include?

Typically, cleaning costs include services like filter replacement, coil cleaning, and inspection of the burner or heat exchanger. Annual furnace cleanings not only improve efficiency, reducing energy bills, but also help prevent breakdowns and extend the system's lifespan.

Does running furnace fan clean air?

Running your system on constant fan will run air through your filter more often, reducing the amount of dust your family breathes in your home.

Can I clean my furnace myself?

It's best to do a thorough furnace cleaning before it gets too cold outside. The best thing is you don't need an HVAC professional to clean the unit for you. There are heating maintenance tasks you can do to avoid being bitterly cold and unsafe.

What are the drawbacks of duct cleaning?

Cons:
  • It's Not a Permanent Solution: Air duct cleaning is not a permanent solution to the problems in your ductwork. ...
  • It Can Be Expensive: Air duct cleaning can be expensive, especially if you have a large home with multiple ductwork systems. ...
  • It's a Mess: Air duct cleaning can be a messy process.

What does a normal dirty furnace filter look like?

A dirty furnace filter is discolored. It's gray or brown instead of its original white or light color. You'll notice a thick layer of dust, dirt, and debris covering the filter's surface. The filter may look clogged or matted, with visible clumps of dust and hair.

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.

How much does an annual furnace inspection cost?

A furnace inspection costs an average of $80 to $100. Your cost may increase if more furnace repairs are needed, or based on the specifics of your HVAC system. If detrimental issues are uncovered, you'll be quoted for the repair or potential replacement of your HVAC equipment.

Is duct cleaning the same as furnace 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.

How often should a furnace blower be cleaned?

How Often Should You Clean Your Furnace & Ducts. We usually advise that you schedule furnace maintenance every 1-2 years (ideally once a year) and duct cleaning at intervals of 3 to 5 years for a smooth-running system and excellent indoor air quality. That's the minimum.

How do you know if you have a bad blower?

Signs Your Furnace's Blower Is Going Bad
  1. Little Airflow from Vents. As mentioned, the blower's job is to circulate air through the system. ...
  2. No Airflow from Vents. ...
  3. Loud Noises When the Heat Is On. ...
  4. Burning Odor from Vents. ...
  5. High Energy Bills.

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