The following steps will aid you in understanding how to clean the furnace suggested by Furnace repair Grosse Ile Michigan.
Table of Contents
Turning Off The System:
It is essential to turn off the electrical power and the fuel supply before doing the annual furnace cleaning. The distinctive red power switch plate is usually located at the head of the cellar steps or near the burner, while the fuel shutoff valve is located near the oil tank or on the incoming gas line. Make a note of where both are in case of a future leak or fire.
Cleaning The Chamber:
Fuel is mixed with air and burnt in the combustion chamber, producing heat and carbon soot, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other byproducts. Soot buildup can cause the chamber walls to erode. Instead, you can use a small wire brush to scrape away built-up carbon. Then, using an industrial shop vacuum, you can eliminate any loose material and inspect the chamber for holes or corrosion before restoring the cover.
Inspect The Pipe:
Inspect the exhaust flue for holes that leak carbon monoxide, especially where the pipe connects to the furnace. It is essential to repair small holes in the flue using foil tape, but rusted flues must be replaced. In addition, you can adjust the flue pipe’s barometric damper, which lowers the chimney draw.
Replacing The Oil Filter:
The oil filter keeps minor pollutants from obstructing the oil-burner nozzle, which might cause a misfire and shut down the system. First, it closes the oil valve, then removes and replaces the old filter, leaving the dirty filter to be disposed of following local hazardous-waste standards.
Changing The Filter:
Changing the filter is a simple task that any homeowner may perform. Simultaneously, it is essential to inspect the blower belt for wear and strain. For example, a slack belt might cause the blower to slow down, reducing efficiency. If the belt deflects more than the expected size when forcefully squeezed, it can be adjusted by sliding the motor backwards.
Testing The Furnace:
After installing a combustion analyzer, which measures gasses in the exhaust flue to evaluate furnace efficiency, you should ensure that the air gates on the burner are adjusted for the optimum fuel-to-air ratio. Next, replace the oil nozzle, which atomizes the fuel immediately before it ignites, and inspects the igniter for flame color and shape. This is a vital sign of stable and full combustion in either oil or gas. Finally, this is the time to vacuum clean the burner tubes in a gas system.