Electric and Gas Furnace Cleaning: Similar Processes
As winter approaches, a forgotten element of our home comes back into our minds: the heater. Left unused for several months, you may be wondering if its use requires a little cleaning. As with any machine, regular maintenance lets you preserve your furnace longer and take advantage of its full efficiency. And the approach to winter is the perfect time for this big cleaning job, which will let you remove any accumulations of dust and debris. But how do you go about cleaning an electric or gas furnace? In both cases, we strongly recommend referring to an expert to avoid any improper handling and to ensure professional service.
Electric furnaces
Safe and easy to install, electric furnaces are popular for their versatility. The electric furnace can also be adaptable by adding an air conditioning system to it, and its air flow is highly controlled, allowing for tight management of the energy consumption.
From a maintenance perspective, you should aim for a complete cleaning at least once a year. This is recommended to be carried out by a professional, who will be able to handle all the parts with care and identify any damage to the machine.
The air filters should be cleaned first, unless they’re disposable, in which case they can simply be replaced. After that, focus on the ventilation system by carefully inspecting all the parts – wheels and motors. You should clean them thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner then a water jet to remove any accumulations of dust from them. It’s important to let them dry completely before putting them back in place.
Gas furnaces
Gas furnaces also have the advantage of versatility: going beyond simply heating the house, they also let you cook, feed your household, and even use your dryer. They’re also the most economical heating method.
When it comes to the maintenance of the machine, it’s similar to that of electric furnaces and the filters for the ventilation system. The difference lies in the elements to be observed. When cleaning a gas furnace, you should make sure that adequate pressure is maintained on the main supply system and the regulator. You should also be careful not to damage the safety controls and the ignition system.
The importance of the filters
For both electric and gas furnaces, the filter cleaning step is essential. Indeed, this is an opportunity to check the condition of your furnace. For example, you should analyze the condition of the ventilation pipes to unclog them if they’re obstructed and to make sure that there are no leaks. The same goes for the flow ducts, which should be checked for cracks. You should also carefully observe all the machine’s components to take note of any signs of deterioration.
When it comes to cleaning a heating device such as a furnace, you’re directly impacting the quality of the air you’re breathing inside. That’s why we recommend doing this cleaning quite regularly to ensure that the air stays healthy and fresh and is not polluted by accumulated dirt. In particular, this should be done before starting the furnace in the winter, but also before moving into a new house, after interior work or a disaster, or if you suffer from asthma or allergies. The cleaning of your furnace is also the opportunity to do a more complete inspection of the furnace to check its general condition. It’s therefore a good idea to rely on a professional to ensure the quality of this cleaning.
