5 Steps to Clean a Furnace Blower in 2024

Introduction to Furnace Blower Cleaning

Keeping your furnace blower clean is a key maintenance task every homeowner should prioritize. A clean blower ensures efficient operation, contributes to better indoor air quality, and extends the lifespan of your HVAC system.

The blower circulates heated or cooled air throughout your home. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can build up on the blower blades and motor, hindering airflow and reducing efficiency. This can lead to decreased performance, uneven temperatures, higher energy consumption, and potential system breakdowns.

Regular cleaning offers these important benefits:

• Maintains optimal airflow.
• Prevents fan imbalance.
• Reduces strain on the blower motor.
• Minimizes the circulation of allergens and contaminants in your indoor air, promoting a healthier living environment.

How often should you clean your furnace blower? Generally, it's recommended to clean it at least once a year. However, if you notice signs of reduced airflow, unusual noises, or increased dust, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

Cleaning the blower is a fairly advanced procedure that requires heavy lifting and attention to detail. If you’re not completely confident that you can complete this cleaning process yourself, schedule Clean & Maintain Service to have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and complete the work.

Step 1: Turn Off the Furnace and Disconnect Power

Before beginning, it’s crucial to take safety precautions to protect yourself and prevent accidents. Here are some safety measures to follow:

• Wear protective gloves, and goggles to shield your hands and eyes.
• Wear a dust mask to keep from breathing in dust during the process.
• Ensure the furnace is turned off and the power supply is disconnected to avoid electrical mishaps.
• Allow the furnace to cool down completely before starting the cleaning process to avoid burns.

To properly shut off power to your furnace, follow these steps:

1. Locate the main power switch or circuit breaker for your furnace, usually near the unit or in the main electrical panel.
2. Turn off the power switch or flip the circuit breaker to the off position, cutting off electricity to the furnace.

Disconnecting the power is essential to eliminate the risk of electric shock and ensure a hazard-free cleaning process. Safety should always be your top priority when performing any maintenance tasks on your furnace. If you’re unsure how to shut off electrical power to your furnace, have a service technician complete the blower cleaning.

Step 2: Remove the Blower Fan and Burner Assembly Covers

Follow these steps to remove the blower fan and burner assembly covers:

1. Locate the burner assembly and blower fan compartment covers. They are typically near middle and the bottom of the furnace.
2. Use a screwdriver or nut driver to remove the screws or bolts securing the burner assembly cover and pull the cover off.
3. Remove the fasteners securing the blower fan cover and pull it off to access the blower fan and motor.

Step 3: Disconnect Wires from the Blower Assembly

You may see an electronic circuit board attached to the blower fan housing in many furnaces. Some furnaces just have wires attached to the blower fan motor. Take a digital photo of all wiring connections with your cell phone or tablet to document their locations. Disconnect all the electrical connections and wires attached to the blower assembly.

Step 4: Slide the Blower Assembly Out of the Furnace

Remove the screws or bolts securing the blower assembly in the furnace. Gently slide out the blower assembly from its housing. It will be heavy. Use a helper if needed.

After removing the blower assembly, vacuum out the blower assembly housing compartment in the furnace to remove dust, dirt and debris.

Step 5: Clean the Blower Assembly and Motor

Using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, gently clean the blower wheel and motor. Be cautious not to damage any delicate parts. Remove any accumulated dust or debris, ensuring the blades of the blower wheel and motor are completely clean. You can use compressed air for cleaning but it will spread dust and dirt throughout the cleaning area. Blowing off the fan blades and motor after cleaning will remove any remaining residual dust after cleaning with a brush and the vacuum cleaner. Wipe the fan housing and motor with a damp cloth and then dry them with a lint-free cloth.

While cleaning, look for signs of wear or damage, such as loose or bent fan blades. If you find any damage, schedule furnace repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and check the furnace. Getting your furnace repaired right away will prevent further damage.

Reassemble your furnace in reverse order. Make sure that you properly engage the support rail tabs when reinstalling the blower fan and motor assembly back in the furnace. Reconnect wires correctly as shown in your digital picture of the wiring connections. Restore power and check furnace operation.

If you notice any problems after cleaning the blower, have a service technician examine the furnace and fix any problems.

Schedule Annual Preventive Maintenance for your Furnace

Even if you clean the furnace blower yourself, it’s always a good idea to schedule professional furnace maintenance yearly to have a Sears Home Services technician maintain your heating system. Here’s a video that shows what happens during professional furnace maintenance:

Following these maintenance tips and cleaning methods ensures your furnace stays in top condition, promoting efficient airflow and prolonging the lifespan of your furnace.