If your heating system works by circulating heated air, you could be circulating dust particles around your home. Some housekeeping will help your heating system to operate cleanly and efficiently throughout the heating season.
1. Cleaning Air Registers and Air Ducts
A heated air system works by circulating heated air throughout your home. The air is brought into the furnace from inside the home, heated and then returned through the duct system.
Before cleaning, be sure to turn off the power to the furnace. Each room should have a heat vent or register. Remove each one and wash it with soap and warm water. Use your vacuum cleaner with extension and vacuum the ductwork below each vent. Make sure the vacuum brush is securely attached so that you do not lose it down the ductwork. If the ductwork feels a little greasy, clean that off with a rag.
Each floor of your house should have a return vent. They are usually on a wall. Remove and clean them the same way you did the floor vents. Every five years or so, you may want to have your duct system professionally cleaned.
2. Cleaning of Blower Wheel
A dirty blower wheel will not be able to supply the volume of air required for your system. This could cause the furnace’s heat exchanger to overheat and shut down the furnace.
To clean the blower wheel, refer to the manual for its location. Before beginning the cleaning process, be sure to turn off the power to the furnace. You may even want to turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
Remove the access panel to the blower wheel assembly. Don’t forget to take a picture — you may need it for reassembly. Remove any wires or wiring harnesses connected to the blower motor. Again, take any necessary pictures.
Remove the mounting screws while holding the blower assembly in place. Slide the blower unit out. Remove the blower motor by removing the mounting bolts. Don’t forget to loosen the screw on the spindle side of the motor.
The blower wheel can then be removed from its housing. Vacuum out any loose dust from the wheel. If necessary, take the wheel outside and rinse it off with a water hose. You may need to use some degreaser to get the wheel thoroughly clean.
Reassemble and place the wheel back into your furnace. When starting up the furnace, listen for any noises that were not there before cleaning.
If this process seems a little too involved for you to accomplish, the experienced technicians at Rosenberg Plumbing & Air in San Antonio, TX, will be glad to assist you. We are here to help with any of your heating repair or maintenance needs!
Tags: Duct System, Furnace