How to Clean a Propane Furnace
A propane furnace provides heat to homes that reside in an area where natural gas is not piped in. Using propane to heat a home is an economical option and can be just as efficient as natural gas if the furnace is properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. This offers an economical solution to anyone who does not have access to natural gas.
Supply List
- Flathead screwdriver
- Socket wrench
- Vacuum cleaner with handheld attachment
- New furnace filter (optional)
- Locate the removable panel on the front of the propane furnace. This panel is usually found on the front of the furnace towards the bottom.
- Determine if the panel has a release button to open the panel. Some models have a release button other models do not.
- Push the release button to open the panel if the model of furnace you are using has this feature. If the model of furnace you have does not have a release button, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the panel.
- Inspect the flames to see if any of the burner holes are not producing flames evenly. This could mean that there is a blockage in some of the burner holes.
- Turn off the furnace by turning off the circuit breaker that controls the power to the furnace for safety. You want to be sure that there is no power running to the propane furnace while you are cleaning it.
- Attach the handheld attachment to a standard vacuum cleaner.
- Turn on the power to the vacuum and use the handheld cleaning attachment to gently clean the inside of the furnace, concentrating on the area where the burner holes are located.
- Turn off the vacuum once you have cleaned the inside of the furnace.
- Locate the furnace blower and loosen the bolts that are holding the blower motor in place using a socket wrench and the appropriate socket depending on the size of the bolts used.
- Remove the blower motor and set it aside.
- Locate the furnace filter and inspect the filter to see if it is dirty. Clean or replace the furnace filter and then replace the filter back into the furnace.
- Replace the blower motor and secure the bolts previously removed to hold the blower motor in place using a socket wrench.
- Close the panel on the furnace, and turn the power to the propane furnace back on.