QA

Quick Answer: How To Clean Gas Furnace Burners

Do furnace burners need to be cleaned?

Furnace burners are cylindrical components of your furnace made out of metal, housed within a burner box inside your furnace. No matter how many burners you have, it’s important to keep them clean. If they get too dirty, they can actually prevent the furnace from working entirely (more on that below).

Does a gas furnace need to be cleaned?

To maintain your gas furnace and keep it running efficiently, we recommend annual servicing from a trained HVAC professional. At a minimum it should be cleaned at the beginning of each heating season, but repeating mid-year will help keep your gas furnace in peak condition and help prevent future problems.

How do I know if my furnace burner is dirty?

If the burners cannot produce enough heat to reach this target, the blower fan won’t come and you still won’t receive heat, although you will hear the burner activate. Another effect of dirty burners is an increase in noise of operation. When the burner struggles to ignite, it will create a boom and rumbling noise.

How often should furnace burners be cleaned?

Most furnaces only need to be cleaned on a yearly basis. This annual cleaning is best performed during the early fall. In addition to ensuring your furnace is ready for winter, this will also keep you and your family cozy during the cold autumn days. A professional furnace cleaning usually takes up to 2 hours.

When should I replace my furnace burners?

If your burner has cracks in it, it is safest to replace it. Rust. If there is moisture buildup and poor air circulation within your furnace due to a lack of maintenance, small bits of rust can form on the burners, or on other metal surfaces that then flake off and land on the burners.

What happens if you don’t clean your furnace?

If you don’t keep your furnace clean, you’re letting harmful debris get distributed around your house. This can cause a variety of health problems. You may find yourself more prone to colds and other viruses and germs because they aren’t being properly cleaned from your air ducts.

How long does a furnace cleaning take?

A furnace tune-up can take between an hour and a half to two hours. But it mostly depends on the age of your furnace. If they find you need more substantial repairs, it may take longer.

When should you clean your furnace?

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.

How long will a gas furnace last?

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

How often should a gas furnace be serviced?

A gas furnace should be serviced at least once a year, preferably, though, in both the spring and the fall. Annual maintenance, including a thorough examination and cleaning of the parts that commonly malfunction, like the air filter, the fan, the pilot light, and the heat exchanger, can usually prevent these problems.

How do you fix a yellow flame on a gas furnace?

Allow the stove to cool, remove the top grate, and lift the stove up to expose the burner piping if you want to fix the yellow flame yourself. The air shutter is behind the burner gas valve on most stoves. The burner air vent is covered by a sliding plate.

Why is my furnace filter yellow?

Yellow or orange means the mix of gas and oxygen is incorrect, which is usually a sign of a dirty burner. It’s an easy fix if you get it cleaned right away. If the problem persists, you could end up with a carbon monoxide leak, which can be deadly.

Can you use compressed air to clean a furnace?

You will need a vacuum, some compressed air, and a soft-bristle brush for this next part. Be gentle when you are cleaning the inside of your furnace, especially around the circuit board.

How much does it cost to service a furnace?

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Gas Furnace Serviced? Servicing a gas furnace typically costs anywhere from $50 to $300. The exact price depends on the age of your unit and the frequency of maintenance. If you wait years between repairs and your furnace sees heavy use, the cost will probably be higher.

How do I service my furnace for the winter?

Check the following list to be sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter. Turn on the thermostat. Change the air filters. Cover the AC condenser. Clean the heat exchanger. Lubricate and clean the blower motor. Test the igniter switch. Inspect the chimney and carbon monoxide detectors.

How do you clean a clogged heat exchanger?

Remove any dirt or debris from the heat exchanger block by using a wire brush. Also, use the brush to loosen any of the black soot or scale from each chamber in the heat exchanger. A damp cloth with cleaner specifically for gas furnaces, can also be used to remove any soot or scale.