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.
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.
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.
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.
Dirt accumulation inside the furnace might result in an overworking system. This causes the furnace to use more energy while heating your home less effectively. This might lead to system failure, and you will require a new furnace installation in this case.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pros of Running Your Furnace Fan Continuously
This helps eliminate cold spots in your home and provides a more comfortable living environment. Enhanced Air Filtration: Continuous fan operation means your furnace's air filter works 24/7.
Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to scrub out any remaining grime. If your vacuum cleaner does not have a brush attachment, use a small, curved brush to clean out the hard-to-reach areas of your blower wheel, as well as the blower motor, and the fan blades.
If you see dust and dirt both inside and outside — especially by the vents that blow cool air out — your ducts most likely need to be cleaned. To prevent future dust buildup, make sure you replace your HVAC system air filters frequently. You can also run an air purifier.
Vacuum out the combustion chamber to remove traces of dirt and soot from the burners and surrounding areas. Wipe the entire interior clean with a cloth to remove any lingering dirt, dust, and soot. Replace the metal access panel and secure it tightly with the removed screws. Restore gas and power to the furnace.
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 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.
Furnace: A blower motor in a furnace can last a minimum of 10 years but up to 20 if you schedule regular maintenance to keep your unit in good condition. Heat Pump: Like a furnace, a blower motor in a heat pump can last at least 10 years, and up to 15 if the unit undergoes regular maintenance.
Furnace Cleaning and Inspection Cost
Most homeowners pay in the range of $100-$300 for furnace inspection and cleaning. If you want to get your duct cleaned, be prepared to pay an extra $250-$500. Homeowners who just want to get their furnace inspected without a tuneup or cleaning, usually pay between $50 and $100.
Not cleaning your furnace can have major negative impacts on you and your family! All of that particulate matter that your furnace attracts gets distributed through the air in your home, meaning poor indoor air quality that can irritate asthma and allergies.
For optimal performance and efficiency, your furnace's condensate line should be drained every three to six months to prevent buildup.
One of the most significant benefits of annual cleaning is better furnace efficiency. When the furnace boiler and ducts are cleaned, the furnace will run at better rates and not need to run as long to provide heat for a home. A furnace with better efficiency can save you money in the long run.
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.