8 Ways to Clean a Furnace or Heat Pump

If you’ve noticed low heating efficiency or a change in the sound of your furnace or heat pump, it may be time to clean it. Dirty furnaces and heat pumps require more energy to operate, which can lead to breakdowns. Below are eight tips on cleaning your furnace or heat pump and maintaining its efficiency.

1. Inspection Before Cleaning

Before you can begin cleaning your furnace or heat pump, it’s essential to inspect it to determine if it needs any parts replaced. Your technician can perform a thorough inspection of your unit by checking its dust collector, air filters, and oil filter. Based on the results, the technician may recommend replacing any parts that have reached their lifetime limit or are dirty and inefficient.

2. Clean the Condenser

The condenser is the part of your heat pump or furnace that transports heat from the house to the unit. First, it’s essential to clean around the outer sides of your casing, which is located in a room like the garage or basement. When this part of your unit is dirty, it can cause air leakage, resulting in lower efficiency and more energy use. If you need to clean the condenser in your home in San Antonio, TX, you can contact MD Air Conditioning & Heating for professional service.

3. Clean the Blower Fan

The blower fan is located in your attic and blows air throughout your unit. It’s key to thoroughly clean this part of your unit to prevent leaks and keep your furnace running efficiently. When debris is found around the fan blade, it can hinder its ability to move air effectively, thus lowering efficiency and increasing energy use.

4. Inspect the Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is located within your unit and works to produce cool air. Be sure to remove any dirt or dust from this part of the unit with a brush, a vacuum, or compressed air. This will help maximize efficiency and maintain quality performance in your heat pump or furnace. If you need help cleaning your evaporator coil or furnace maintenance in San Antonio, a professional team can help.

5. Dust the Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is another part of your furnace or heat pump that transports heat from the unit to your home. You can clean the heat exchanger with a vacuum and brush to remove dirt and dust. A professional can also clean the exchanger for you if you don’t want to take on the project yourself.

6. Change the Air Filter

Air filters are standard for most furnaces and heat pumps. It’s essential to change or clean these filters every three months. Dirty air filters can cause an increase in energy use and air leaks, along with a change in sound when your unit operates. If your system has a cool-down period, you may not be able to access the filter. This step can be done by a professional if problems arise.

7. Perform Oil Changes

If you have a heat pump or furnace with an oil tank, make sure to conduct oil changes, which should occur every six months. If your unit uses a standing pilot, the oil tank may need to get emptied every three months. The oil tank should be emptied every 12 months for all other purposes. These changes will keep your oil fresh and prevent impurities from damaging your system.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance

It’s key to schedule regular maintenance for your unit, not only for the maintenance plan but also to perform any needed repairs. A qualified technician will inspect all components of your unit and perform any required repairs or replacements. They’ll also clean any dirty parts and change any air filters to keep your system running at optimal performance. Your technician will also conduct a thorough inspection of all components of your unit and offer solutions based on the results.

8. Clean the Blower Wheel

The blower wheel is located outside of the unit, near the exhaust pipe. It’s essential to remove any dirt or dust from the blower wheel, as it can cause air leakage, resulting in lower efficiency and increased energy use. A dirty blower wheel will also impact the sound of your unit when it operates.

Cleaning your furnace or heat pump is essential for maintaining heating efficiency and preventing breakdowns. When you choose the team at MD Air Conditioning & Heating to care for your heater, we’ll perform regular maintenance, including inspections, cleaning, and oil changes. We can assist with heating and cooling repair as well. We also offer service plan options that can extend the lifetime of your system. To find out more about these options or to schedule an appointment for service, contact MD Air Conditioning & Heating today.