DIY Furnace cleaning

[imported_Champ]

It hasn't been cleaned for over 10 years and the dust levels are getting crazy, that and it would probably help save some cash in the winter.

So I am devoting my day tomorrow to fixing this problem, my plan is to clean the filter or buy a new one, then clean the fans with old wet rags, followed by putting rags on poles and getting the dirt in the vents. All while the power is off (safety first)

has anyone out there done this and have some tips?

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

you don't generally clean furnace filters, most are disposable. And if you haven;t changed it in 10 years :facepalm;

 

[ScottFern]

I change my furnace filter every 30 days. The filters are like $2 each.

 

[IronWing]

Central Services is going to be all over your ass if you try to service your own ducts. Everybody knows this.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

You can get a duct cleaner at the home improvement store. It's sort of like an umbrella on the end of a pole. While your at it, look for any joints that need to be taped.

 

[marvdmartian]

And try really hard not to be like the guy who caught his arm in the furnace, then was forced to try to hack it off......at the SHOULDER.......in order to free himself.

Definitely, keep a cell phone handy, where you can reach it with either hand. :hmm:

 

[0roo0roo]

no kidding..10 years? you've been burning money.

 

[dfuze]

10 years? You may also want to have it tuned up as well, surprised your nozzle hasn't clogged yet

 

[boomerang]

You're taking the term 'cleaning' too literally in regards to your furnace. There is more to it than you think. I would suggest you hire a pro to come out and do the work. It's usually pretty reasonably priced.

 

[Squisher]

That investment property I bought last year had a furnace that looked like it never was cleaned. The filter had clogged so badly that the fan motor sucked all the pleats out and the filter was like form fitted around the squirrel cage. They also had managed to suck a bunch of playing cards into the squirrel cage and they made an awful racket when I first turned it on.

No wonder the utility company wanted $200/mo. on the budget for gas. Gas is now about $75/mo. and will go down to around $50/mo. when I insulate the attic better.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I was just thinking about figuring out if there's anything I need to do with my HVAC system here.

I'm a total noob at this. I tried to figure out where my filter is, but I don't know what I'm going. If I post some pictures, will someone help me figure out what I'm looking at? 😛

 

[boomerang]

I was just thinking about figuring out if there's anything I need to do with my HVAC system here.

I'm a total noob at this. I tried to figure out where my filter is, but I don't know what I'm going. If I post some pictures, will someone help me figure out what I'm looking at? 😛

Everybody likes pics. I'm sure you'll get advice both good and bad.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Ok ATOT, what do I do?

This is a rented townhouse in Wisconsin.
I've been here almost a year and done nothing.

External unit (condenser?)

Large air return (above front door, at the base of the stairs to the upper floor). Screws and cover appear to be painted shut.

Air return again (at bottom) with the view from the top of the stairs. This is the external view of the closet that houses the furnace.

Several small air returns in other rooms

Model number on furnace

Closet where furnace is

Top half

Bottom half

Behind the middle panel (pilot light, etc.)

Behind the top panel

Where should I be looking for the filter?

If you want a tour of the place, watch this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HIrr52VXIE#t=2m30s

 

[Rubycon]

Filters are usually on the return and close to the furnace. They will be near the bottom. Some fabricators leave them sticking out while others have the duct sized where they can fit just below the outside and will have a cover with a screw over the opening. Some units have the filters right at the return opening with similar arrangements.

If you are renting the place the responsibility USUALLY lies with the owner/landlord.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Filters are usually on the return and close to the furnace. They will be near the bottom. Some fabricators leave them sticking out while others have the duct sized where they can fit just below the outside and will have a cover with a screw over the opening. Some units have the filters right at the return opening with similar arrangements.

If you are renting the place the responsibility USUALLY lies with the owner/landlord.

I e-mailed the property manager earlier this evening. I'll probably get a response tomorrow.

Apparently there's only 1 maintenance guy for our whole complex (I think that includes all 30 buildings with 6-10 units each).

I think he's probably constantly on "emergency" repairs, so I suspect that if I want to get this done, it might be on me.

I didn't see a filter anywhere near the large air return, so I guess it's probably in this shot somewhere?

 

[PhoKingGuy]

I e-mailed the property manager earlier this evening. I'll probably get a response tomorrow.

Apparently there's only 1 maintenance guy for our whole complex (I think that includes all 30 buildings with 6-10 units each).

I think he's probably constantly on "emergency" repairs, so I suspect that if I want to get this done, it might be on me.

I didn't see a filter anywhere near the large air return, so I guess it's probably in this shot somewhere?

Or it doesn't exist, one apt I moved into in college didnt have one. I bitched and they put one in.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Or it doesn't exist, one apt I moved into in college didnt have one. I bitched and they put one in.

The thought had crossed my mind.

After looking at it initially, it seemed like the place to put one in would maybe be in that sealed wooden plywood area below the unit... or behind the grate of the main air return.

 

[Rubycon]

If there is no filter the coil becomes the filter! YUCKIE! D:

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Maintenance guy came by today (while gf was here) and determined that the filters were behind a panel that was installed incorrectly. He's coming back to fix our fridge and replace the filters tomorrow.