How to Clean an Electric Furnace Blower
One of the most neglected parts of your electric furnace is the blower. Many people just do not give the blower a second thought until the blower stops working. You can avoid furnace blower problems by taking the time to clean the blower. Clean the furnace blower when you change the furnace filter in the furnace. Cleaning only takes a few minutes, but it can save you hundreds of dollars in repair bills. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Socket wrench
- Toothbrush
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn the power off to the electric furnace. There is a red emergency shut-off switch near the furnace that looks like a regular light switch. Turn the switch to the off position. You should also turn the circuit breaker off to the furnace. The circuit breaker is in your home electrical panel.
-
2
Remove the blower compartment access panel door. The door will most often lift up and away from the furnace. Some manufacturers require you to remove two screws at the top of the panel with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
-
-
3
Pull the furnace filter away from filter area close to the blower. You should replace the filter every three months.
-
4
Reach your hand inside the open squirrel cage, which is the furnace blower wheel. Remove any large amounts of dust buildup and throw the debris in the garbage. The wheel will collect dust and debris around the inside and at the very back wall of the wheel.
-
5
Vacuum the blower wheel with the vacuum cleaner and upholstery brush. Vacuum inside the wheel as well as the outside of the blower assembly. Be careful vacuuming around wires so that you do not accidentally break or disconnect any wires.
-
6
Inspect the fins on the blower wheel for sticky dirt accumulation on the fins. Dirt and grime that adheres to the fins can affect the operation of the blower wheel.
-
7
Remove the two screws that secure the blower assembly to the furnace with a socket wrench. The screws will be on the front of the furnace above the blower assembly. Slide the blower assembly out enough that you can clean the fins with a toothbrush.
-
8
Brush the dirt and grime away from the fins with a toothbrush. Pay special attention to the ends of the fin where they meet the side of the wheel. Vacuum the debris away and slide the blower assembly back into the furnace. Secure the blower assembly to the furnace with the retaining screws.
-
9
Replace the furnace filter with a new one and install the filter into the furnace. Reattach the blower compartment access door. Turn the power back on to the furnace.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Most furnaces have sealed motors which mean that you do not need to oil the motor.
Always disconnect power to the furnace before making any repairs or adjustments.
