Every Winnipeg homeowner knows how important a working furnace is when winter rolls around. When it comes to furnace service in Winnipeg, one question comes up again and again, can you clean your own furnace or should you leave it to the professionals?
In short, you can do some light cleaning. However, other parts of the furnace should be left to an HVAC professional in Winnipeg.
At Lynn’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we often meet homeowners who like a hands-on approach to home care. We want to empower you with the right information. Our guide will help you understand what’s safe to handle yourself and when to call a professional.
What You Can Safely Clean Yourself
There are ways to improve the performance of your furnace without professional help. Here are some maintenance tasks you can handle:
- Replace or Clean Your Air Filters: Even a simple task like this one helps. It can improve airflow, air quality and energy efficiency. Check filters monthly during the heating season.
- Vacuum Around the Furnace: Use a soft brush to remove dust and dirt near the base of the furnace and the vents.
- Wipe Down Exterior Surfaces: Keep the outside of your furnace dust-free to prevent debris from circulating through your system.
- Keep Vents and Registers Clear: Move furniture, curtains and rugs that may block airflow.
- Check Your Thermostat: Make sure it’s clean and set properly for consistent heating.
Before cleaning, always turn off the furnace at the power source and handle your furnace with care to prevent your furnace from breaking. Never remove panels or attempt to clean internal components if you’re unsure what they are.
Frequent and regular furnace cleaning helps your system work better and reduces strain. For deeper maintenance and safety inspections, professional service is essential.
What Should Be Left to the Professionals
Your furnace consists of electrical wiring, gas lines and sensitive mechanical parts. Trying to clean or adjust these without proper tools and training can be risky.
Here’s what should be handled by a professional:
- Cleaning or adjusting burners, blower motors or flame sensors
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
- Checking gas pressure and ignition systems
- Testing for carbon monoxide or gas leaks
These are complex, safety-critical components. A professional technician will make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
Unsure about what’s safe to clean? Call the team at Lynn’s. We handle deep-cleaning, safety checks and annual tune-ups to keep your system efficient and performing reliably year after year.
How Often Should YOu Clean Your Furnace?
Even if you’re diligent with light cleaning, professional maintenance isn’t something you skip. Make it part of your daily home care routine.
- Replace or Clean Filters: Do so every 1-3 months (more often if you have pets or allergies).
- Vacuum and Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean every few months.
- Schedule Professional Servicing: Call an HVAC technician once a year, ideally in fall before the heating season arrives.
Winnipeg winters are long so your furnace will have to run hard for months on end. Routine maintenance prevents breakdowns and keeps your system ready for heavy use. If you don’t clean your furnace properly, you can damage the system and end up needing pro furnace repair services in Winnipeg.
Why Furnace Cleaning Matters
A clean furnace is a happy furnace and a smart investment for your home. Regular cleaning and maintenance offer the following benefits:
- Efficiency: Less dust leads to better airflow and lower heating costs.
- Safety: Technicians catch gas leaks or carbon monoxide issues early.
- Reliability: Clean, lubricated components reduce wear and tear.
- Air Quality: Clean filters make for cleaner air for you and your family.
- Longevity: Proper care can extend the lifespan of your furnace by up to 20 years.
Does your furnace need a fresh start before winter hits? Our team at Lynn’s can help. We provide furnace maintenance surfaces that go beyond surface cleaning. We check, clean and tune every component to ensure reliable performance.
Clean What You Can and Leave the Rest to Us
Other than Furnace installation in Winnipeg, you can tackle most of the furnace cleaning tasks on your own. Changing filters and vacuuming around the base doesn’t have to be done by professionals. However, let the team at Lynn’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling take care of internal components, safety checks and deep cleaning.
Has it been over a year since your last service? Now’s the time to contact us and book an appointment today!
