Furnaces should be involved in a home's regular maintenance to ensure the unit runs at its full operational capacity. Not only that, but an uncleaned furnace is also a cause of various health issues. But don't fret too much! We have researched everything you need to know about cleaning your Lennox unit.
A furnace needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure optimum performance. There are several ways you can do this. These are the general procedures:
- Remove dirt and dust
- Inspect the burner flame
- The burner and blower cavities need to be vacuumed to remove dust or debris around the unit
- You have to remove the blower to clean it
- Use a vacuum and brush to clean the blower blades
- Clean the flame sensor
- Inspect the flue for any dents and gaps and ensure that it is venting properly to the outdoors
Every home needs a furnace to enhance the comfort of living, and similar to most appliances, it needs to be afforded regular maintenance. In order to clean your unit, you have to follow simple guidelines. Fortunately, we are here to help and guide you in accomplishing this task.
Why should you clean your furnace?
Furnaces should be included in a household's regular maintenance schedule. Primarily to ensure optimal function, maximize fuel consumption and prolong the use of the system. Health issues also factor out when the furnace is not properly cleaned.
Dirt and dust may circulate within the living area and cause allergies, colds, and other symptoms. The general comfort a furnace provides is the final consideration.
Note: It is ideal to install carbon monoxide indicators in homes that have furnace systems to monitor the air quality.
Check out Carbon Monoxide Detector on Amazon.
How to clean and maintain a Lennox furnace?
Air Filters
The filter allows clean air to circulate and prevents dust and other substances from entering the system. The filtration system should be a priority in furnace maintenance since it affects the general performance of the equipment, fuel consumption, and longevity of the appliance.
To make sure that your unit operates properly, you have to replace the air filters at least once a month. If you are unsure which type of filter your furnace is equipped with, contact your local Lennox manufacturer. These professionals will aid you in choosing the correct filter that is compatible with your appliance.
It is necessary to select the right component to avoid any future issues with the equipment. Not only that, if you are a pet owner, and if your furnace runs continuously, the filter needs to be regularly checked because it may be prone to dust and fur build-up.
Check out Lennox 25"x5"x16" Furnace Filter on Amazon.
Remove dirt and dust
Regular inspection for dust and dirt is necessary to keep the furnace clean and operating properly. Once considerable dirt material has accumulated, vacuum the dust from the air registers.
Inspect the burner flames
The flame color indicates the efficiency of the heating system. Blue flames mean your furnace is functioning properly and the gas is clean, with few contaminants. Yellow or orange color means the combustion system is inefficient. It may mean that dirt or pollutants are present.
It is advisable to discontinue using the system since carbon monoxide may be present in the circulated air. The best way to resolve the problem is to consult and be evaluated by a specialist.
Vacuum the burner
Burners provide heat to the household. Accumulated dirt may prevent the furnace from functioning properly.
Step 1: Turn off all power to the furnace
You can either switch off the unit or you can turn the breaker off.
Step 2: Remove or dismantle the furnace doors
Step 3: Find out where the burners are located
The location of the burners varies depending on the furnace. Others are housed within a shielded box while some are not, that is why they are easier to locate. Before removing the burner, remember how it was placed inside the unit.
Step 4: Remove the burner bracket or open the burner box
You can use a power drill or a smaller wrench to remove the screws. In other cases, you may have to dismantle other components of your unit in order to get to the burner.
Step 5: Take out the burners from the furnace
Step 6: Start cleaning the burners
Scrub the surface of each burner with a brass brush. Depending on the amount of dirt, this may be done repeatedly. Ensure that all of the debris is cleared. Finally, use compressed air to eliminate the remaining dirt and dust particles.
Vacuum the Blowers
Blowers or fans propel hot air into the home. When they fail to operate properly, the heat is considerably reduced.
It is best to utilize either a paintbrush or a toothbrush to clean the blades and motor housing. The remaining dirt material may then be eliminated using a vacuum.
Clean the Flame Sensor
The sensor is a safety feature of the heating system. Once the power has been shut down, you can access the sensor near the panel opening. Only the metal rod portion has to be cleaned, avoid contact with the porcelain base with your cleaning equipment.
Use sandpaper on the rod to remove the carbon deposit up until bare metal is exposed. You may then proceed with wire wool to eliminate the remaining dirt.
Inspect and Clean your furnace's flue pipe
Before starting with the flue pipe, you have to check the owner's manual to see if there are any specific ways to clean this part, or if there are any actions that will void the warranty of your unit.
After doing this, locate your furnace's vent pipe. It is important to turn the power off before cleaning the pipes.
Afterwards, scrub the interior of the flue pipes with a dust brush to remove any dust and dirt build-ups, then make use of a handheld vacuum to get rid of as much debris as possible.
Wipe the area using a soft cloth or clear rug. Do not forget to clean the surrounding area outside your vent pipes. Cut off any branches or get rid of objects that may be obstructing the airflow.
Does Lennox offer a warranty?
Lennox has been on the market for decades offering one of the best temperature regulation devices. There is no question that the products are of great quality; however, there are still some areas that consumers need to be aware of such as the warranty.
Unlike other appliances, you should be aware that this brand offers a 10-year parts warranty, but does not provide a unit replacement guarantee.
It is up to you to outweigh the benefits and the issue regarding the warranty. If you are still interested in the brand, you may want to check out the best Lennox furnace on the market right now.
Dave Lennox Signature Collection SLP99V
The SLP99V is the best furnace since it is the most fuel-efficient temperature regulation appliance on the market. It does not only offer a 99% AFUE (Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency), but it also operates as the quietest available device today.
This furnace is also the most high-end upscale unit which costs around $7,300 to $11,650. However, the price simply outweighs the advantages.
In the long run, it proves to reduce the electricity and heating costs because it has low fuel consumption. This model is equipped with a variable speed operation and a secondary heat exchanger that will provide you and your family the comfort you need.
Dave Lennox Signature Collection SL297NV
The SL297NV is another superior Lennox furnace model. It is a two-stage furnace supplemented with a variable-speed blower that ensures quiet operation, great efficiency, and consistent temperatures throughout your home.
One of the best features of this model is that it reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 65%. This makes this unit the lowest emissions furnace on the market today. Not only that, but the SL297NV also has a secondary heat exchanger, the Duralok Plus Primary heat exchanger, an insulated blower compartment, and an iComfort S30 compatibility.
In Closing
Remember to keep tabs on cleaning and maintaining your furnace. By doing so, you are preventing any future issues with the system, and you are also safeguarding the well-being of you and your family.
If you have found this topic helpful, check out these other informative articles:
"Furnace Not Kicking On - What Could Be Wrong?"
"Fan Only Mode Not Working On Furnace - What Could Be Wrong?"