How to Remove and Clean a Furnace Blower

A dirty furnace blower reduces efficiency.

Your furnace will use electricity or gas to create heat. Once the heat is generated, it needs to spread throughout the furnace ductwork throughout the home. The furnace of your home has a blower that pushes the air created by the furnace. When the furnace blower is dirty, it will not move the air properly. This will reduce the efficiency and raise your bill. An annual cleaning in the fall, before starting up the system, will keep your furnace running properly throughout the winter.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• 7/16 ratchet
• Stiff brush
• Vacuum
• Soft brush vacuum attachment

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the furnace at the circuit breaker.

2. Remove the door of the furnace by pressing the release button.

3. If your furnace has one, remove the two screws holding the blower control panel with a screwdriver. Let the control panel hang in place. Removal of the panel is necessary to remove the blower cage.

4. Remove the bolts that hold the blower cage in place with a 7/16 socket wrench. Turn the nut counterclockwise to remove the bolts.

5. Lift out the blower. Brush the blades of the blower with a stiff brush. Run the brush along the fan blades, not against them, to prevent bending. Bent blades will ruin the blower. Vacuum the blades with a soft vacuum brush attachment.

6. Reattach the blower and the control panel and turn the electricity on.

References

• The Family Handyman: Fall Furnace Maintenance Guide
• This Old House: Fall Furnace Maintenance