Cleaning your furnace involves four basic steps: turning off the power and gas, replacing the air filter, vacuuming out dust from the cabinet, and cleaning the flame sensor. Always consult a certified HVAC technician for deeper maintenance, or if you smell gas or notice cracked parts.
While basic furnace cleaning tasks—like replacing air filters or wiping down accessible components—can be handled safely at home, more technical steps require a trained HVAC technician.
Professional furnace cleaning typically costs between $100 and $300, depending on your geographic location, the depth of service required, and the complexity of your HVAC system. While upfront costs are a consideration, industry experts advise viewing this as a long-term investment.
If you don't clean your furnace, dust and debris can accumulate, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy bills. It may cause overheating, frequent cycling, or even complete breakdowns, resulting in costly repairs.
4 Parts of Your Furnace That Need Regular Cleaning
As mentioned above, excess dust within your HVAC system can block the air from traveling through your ducts. To compensate, your furnace will run longer to try and reach your desired temperature. This makes your HVAC system less efficient and causes your utility bills to rise as your system uses more fuel.
DIY furnace cleaning is a safe and highly effective way to maintain your unit. You should always shut off the power and gas. Your cleaning session should primarily focus on:
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
Common Signs Your Furnace Needs Cleaning
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
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.
Expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,000, depending on your system and home layout. Just think of it as the cost of breathing easier and having greater peace of mind for yourself and for your HVAC system.
Short cycling
This is one of the most common furnace problems, and it can stress important furnace components such as the blower motor, limit switch, or flame sensor. There are several potential causes of short cycling, including some that are related to your furnace's built-in safety systems.
A clean furnace filter is usually white or light gray, with visible gaps in the mesh. In contrast, what does a dirty furnace filter look like? It's dark, sometimes blackened, and visibly clogged with dust, pet hair, and debris. If you hold it up to a light and can't see through it, it's time to replace it.
The best time to clean air ducts is during spring or fall, as these milder seasons allow your HVAC system to be turned off without sacrificing comfort during heating or cooling extremes. Spring cleaning helps remove pollen and winter pet hair, while fall cleaning prepares your system for heavy heating use.
If the furnace is 15 years or older, then it's likely that a full replacement is needed. In addition to the age of the unit, here are a few things that you should look for to determine whether it's time to replace your furnace: Constant emergency repairs. Increased energy costs.
Over time, furnaces accumulate dust and debris, which can pose serious fire hazards. Moreover, a dirty furnace may lead to incomplete combustion, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide—a dangerous and odourless gas that can be deadly at high concentrations.
Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years. However, exact longevity depends heavily on your system type, usage, and maintenance habits.
If you notice the smell of dirty socks or a musty smell, it can be caused by a bacteria build-up. This burning smell from the furnace is similar to burning dust, and it can also be due to sudden usage after a long period of time. To get rid of this unpleasant odor, you would need to replace your furnace filter.
5 Warning Signs It's Time for Furnace Replacement
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.
However, with the passage of the new budget, homeowners now have until the end of 2025 to take advantage of the HVAC tax credits, which include: $2,000 for a qualified heat pump. $600 for a qualified air conditioner. $600 for a qualified gas furnace.
Furnace duct cleaning is generally not necessary for routine maintenance. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend routine cleanings, as household dust sticking to the inside of ductwork rarely impacts indoor air quality or airflow.
Yes, you can safely put baking soda in or around your air vents to absorb and neutralize odors. Because it safely absorbs acidic and basic odor molecules without adding harsh chemicals, it is a highly recommended DIY deodorizer.