How to Clean RV Furnace Vents
Whatever the season, maintaining the furnace is a critical upkeep for an RV. Dirty and obstructed vents can lead to fires or carbon-monoxide poisoning. Both the inside and outside vents should be checked frequently and kept clear of items such as bird, rat and wasp nests. An hour of cleaning can save a lot of headaches and keep the furnace operating safely. This do-it-yourself cleaning job needs to be at the top of every vacationer's travel preparation list. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Liquid detergent
- Rags
- Wet/dry vacuum cleaner
- Flyswatter
- Screwdriver
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Instructions
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Cleaning the Inside Furnace Vents
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Mix a quarter-cup of liquid detergent with a gallon of warm water. Open the furnace door and turn the heater knob to the "off" position.
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Remove any debris or dust from the door vents. Use a rag dampened with the soapy water. Scrub the inside and the outside of the vents.
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Rinse with clear water. Vacuum the area around the furnace with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
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Visually inspect that the exhaust vent pipe reaches the outer vent door. Close the inside furnace door.
Cleaning the Outside Vent
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With a screwdriver, remove the outside vent cover by unscrewing the small bolts holding it in place. Check the exhaust vent pipe for obstructions. Dipping the handle of a flyswatter down the exhaust vent pipe works well.
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Scrub the inside and outside of the vented outer furnace cover. Rinse with clear water and let the cover air dry for a few minutes.
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Replace the outside vent cover. Secure it tightly with the bolts.
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Tips & Warnings
Vacuum around the furnace, too. It will help keep the unit running efficiently.
The RV Basics website offers excellent furnace troubleshooting advice and will help keep your furnace in top shape.
Take note of any soot collecting on or near the vents. This could indicate that the furnace is not operating correctly and needs to be serviced by a qualified technician.
