Learn How to Clean Your Furnace or Heat Pump
Every homeowner needs to understand how to clean their furnace safely without messing with the system. Cleaning the furnace improves comfort as you can reach your desired temperature levels easily. It prolongs the lifespan of your heat pump and other parts of the air conditioner and reduces maintenance costs. Dirt buildup around the fan reduces efficiency while increasing energy consumption levels. Cleaning the heat pump more often prevents such issues. It is always better to have your HVAC system professionally cleaned during a maintenance visit instead of trying to clean it yourself. Here are the steps for cleaning your furnace.
Shut Down the System
Powering down your electrical appliance is the first safety precaution. Find the shut-off box near the heat pump on the wall, and turn it off. If there is no physical switch, remove the fuse to cut off the power supply or shut down the main circuit breaker. Confirm that the system is completely off before proceeding.
Remove Large Debris
Wear a pair of gloves to remove all large debris in the vicinity. Remove any dirt on the top surface, including vegetation. Such materials cause resistance to airflow, which reduces the efficiency of your system. Open the top cover to access the interior surfaces.
Remove the Fan and the Grate
Using a screwdriver, remove the grate and the fan gently. Clean the interior surfaces using a cleaning solution. Professionals then use an HVAC fin comb to straighten any bent fins.
You can use a condenser coil cleaner or water and soap from a spray bottle to clean interior surfaces. Turn the unit upside down and spray it gently with a garden hose. Rinse the parts and allow them to dry completely. Replace the cover and the fan, taking care not to bend the fins. Power up the system to see if it works well.
Contact Murphy Company Heating & Cooling in Louisville, KY, today to let us clean your system correctly and in a way that maintains your warranty. We offer heating and cooling repair, maintenance and installation, plus duct cleaning and ductless systems. Give us a call today!
