How to Keep Your Furnace Clean

Written on: January 21, 2025

A Home-Owner’s Guide

Your furnace is the heart of your home’s heating system, especially during the chilly winter months. Keeping it clean not only enhances its efficiency but also prolongs its lifespan and reduces the risk of breakdowns.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to maintaining a clean and reliable furnace:

1. Turn Off Power and Gas: Safety is paramount. Before cleaning, turn off the furnace’s power at the breaker and shut off the gas valve. This step ensures your safety while working on the unit.
2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter: Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and consume more energy. Check the filter monthly and clean or replace it every 1–3 months, depending on usage. A clean filter improves air quality and keeps your furnace running efficiently.
3. Dust and Vacuum Internal Components: Using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, remove dust and debris from the blower, belts, and other accessible components inside the furnace. Dust buildup can hinder performance and increase wear and tear.
4. Inspect and Clean the Flame Sensor: The flame sensor ensures the burner ignites safely. Over time, it can accumulate soot, causing the furnace to malfunction. Gently clean the sensor with a soft cloth or fine sandpaper to maintain proper operation.
5. Check and Clean the Vents: Blocked vents or ducts can reduce heating efficiency and lead to uneven warming in your home. Inspect the furnace vents and ducts for dirt, debris, or obstructions, and clean them with a vacuum or professional duct-cleaning tools.
6. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance: While regular DIY cleaning is essential, scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year is critical. Technicians, like those at Downey Energy, perform in-depth cleaning, inspect vital components, and ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.
7. Clean the Furnace Exterior: The exterior of your furnace can accumulate dust and dirt. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep it looking clean and prevent debris from entering the system.

Why Choose Professional Help?

Companies like Downey Energy provide expert care for boilers and furnaces. Their services include regular tune-ups, equipment cleaning, and professional repairs, ensuring your furnace runs at peak performance throughout the winter. Proper care reduces costly breakdowns and extends your equipment’s lifespan.

Keeping your furnace clean is an investment in your home’s comfort and safety. Combine DIY cleaning with professional servicing for the best results.

You can trust Downey Energy to help maintain a reliable heating system in your home for years to come.

Downey Knows Furnaces

At Downey Energy, we’re the furnace experts! Whether you use propane, heating oil, or natural gas in your Hudson Valley home, Downey Energy can provide you with the furnace you need. We also offer maintenance and repair services. And our service plans include an annual tune-up and around-the-clock emergency service. Depending on your needs, you can choose a plan that covers many parts and labor costs as well.

Contact Downey Energy today to schedule a tune-up for your heating system or to enroll in one of our service plans.