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How To Clean A Heat Exchanger In A Goodman Furnace

How To Clean A Heat Exchanger In A Goodman Furnace

The heat exchanger in your Goodman furnace is essential to the furnace’s operation. In addition, regular maintenance is necessary for the longevity and regular operation of your furnace, irrespective of its brand. So, exactly, how do you clean the heat exchanger on a Goodman furnace? This response has been compiled after a thorough examination of the Goodman furnace cleaning procedure.

The steps of cleaning a Goodman furnace’s heat exchanger are as follows:

  • Make sure the power is turned off.
  • Cut the gas line.
  • Dispatch the front panel.
  • Utilizing the wet/dry vacuum, clean the vicinity of the exchanger.
  • Clean the tubes.
  • Repair the furnace

Your furnace will last longer if you keep up with its maintenance throughout the year. Cleaning the heat exchanger and its surrounding components is a component of this maintenance. You have the option of doing this work yourself or hiring an HVAC specialist. Let’s look at how you can do it yourself.

Steps For Cleaning A Goodman Furnace’s Heat Exchanger

How To Clean A Heat Exchanger In A Goodman Furnace

It’s crucial to note that depending on the brand and model of your furnace, the precise steps to clean the heat exchanger may vary. But for the majority of gas-powered devices, these are the standard procedures for cleaning the exchanger.

What you’ll need is:

  • Dry/wet vacuum
  • A hard wire brush

Make sure the power is turned off.
Make sure the thermostat is initially in the “Off” position. Additionally, switch the pilot light tab to the “Off” position to shut off the furnace itself.

Disconnect the gas line.
Next, disconnect the furnace’s gas supply line. Usually, the supply pipe will be on the furnace’s right side. If there are cables connecting the line to the unit, you can unplug them temporarily by twisting the wires.

Pull Back the Front Panel.
The front panel of the furnace should then be removed by unscrewing the side screws. Given that the screws are rather short, you can do this with a screwdriver or a pocket knife. Slide the panel up and remove it away from the furnace fully after removing the screws.

With the wet/dry vacuum, clean the vicinity of the exchanger.
Take the vacuum and sweep the exchanger area’s floor and surrounding walls. As debris typically gathers in these spaces, make careful to enter all of the nooks and crevices.

Cleaning the tubes.
Remove any residues from the inner or outer surfaces of the tubes, the floor, and the wall using your stiff brush. You might need to use a little below grease to remove it if the tubes seem discovered or scaled.

Rebuild the furnace.
Put the front panel back in place and re-attach the side screws after cleaning the exchanger of all debris. Reconnect the gas line and then turn on the furnace to check that it is operating properly following the cleaning.

To Perform Additional Cleaning

How To Clean A Heat Exchanger In A Goodman Furnace

Change Your Air Filter
There are a few additional things you should take care of after cleaning your heat exchanger. The air filter comes first.

The majority of gas-powered furnaces still need air filters, which should be changed every one to two months. There are certain specialized types that have washable, non-disposable filters.

Slide the old air filter out of the way, then slide the new one in to replace it. To install the air filter correctly, make a note of which direction the airflow arrow is pointing.

A non-disposable air filter can be cleaned with soap and water if you have one. Before reinstalling the air filter in the furnace, make sure it is totally dry.

Make The Blower Fan Clean
Cleaning the blower fan is a good idea before reassembling the furnace. To begin, clear the area around the fan’s motor of any dust and debris using your wet/dry vacuum.

Next, brush the fan’s edges using a tiny wire brush. A toothbrush will also do. Use a microfiber cloth that has been slightly dampened to remove any leftover dirt.

The belt on the blower should also be inspected to make sure it is not too loose or damaged. Replace the belt if it seems to be cracked.

What Purpose Does A Heat Exchanger Serve In A Furnace?

The part of the furnace that heats the air before distributing it to the ducts all around the house is the heat exchanger. It is often located in the bottom center of a furnace and is made up of a row of tubes and coils.

A furnace will start routing hot combustion gases inside the heat exchanger as the pilot light is ignited, allowing heat to be distributed and transferred to the vents.

The cold air from your house will be drawn into the return ducts, where it will be passed on to the heat exchanger to be heated. The warm air is then distributed throughout your home through the ducts after warming up the walls surrounding the heat exchanger.

How Frequently Needs A Heat Exchanger To Be Cleaned?

A heat exchanger should ideally be cleaned once a year at the very least. This is consistent with the annual maintenance that HVAC specialists frequently advise.

What Signs Point To A Clogged Heat Exchanger?

How To Clean A Heat Exchanger In A Goodman Furnace

Before it burns out, a clogged heat exchanger will exhibit indicators of dysfunction. Because of this, it’s critical to understand the symptoms so that you can quickly diagnose, repair, or replace the exchanger.

Black Or Brown Liquid Might Be Seen In The Condensate Drain Pan
One of the most obvious indications that an air filter is clogged is a dirty drain pan. This indicates that the condenser is clogged with soot, corroded polypropylene, and other detritus. In any case, it will be necessary to clean the drain pan and the heat exchanger.

The Carbon Monoxide Detector Sounds
When the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, that is another indication.

The combustion gases will move through the ducts and into different rooms of your house as a result of a blocked exchanger, which is dangerous.

Make sure the carbon monoxide alarm’s batteries are always fresh if your furnace is in the basement or attic of your house.

An Overpowering, Pungent Smell Near the Furnace
Sometimes a stench may be present throughout the house, and other times you may simply detect it in the room where the furnace is. Try standing outdoors adjacent to the furnace’s exhaust fan to see if the scent is worse there to confirm the problem. It’s a sign that your heat exchanger is clogged if it is.

Water Seeping From The Furnace
It’s conceivable that the secondary heat exchanger in the furnace has become clogged if water is dripping from the area around the condensate drain. Condensate will seep out in other locations if this happens because it won’t be able to reach the drain.

How Long Does A Heat Exchanger In A Furnace Last?

The heat exchanger usually lasts the whole furnace’s lifespan, which can be anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer. Of course, the longer your furnace is expected to last, the better off you are with maintenance. The best practices for maintaining your furnace and extending the life of your exchanger are listed below.

Lower The Moisture Content
Homeowners frequently have dehumidifiers installed in or connected to their furnaces. This is so that the heat exchanger won’t rust and acquire high moisture levels, which will shorten its lifespan. If at all possible, try to keep the humidity in your house and the vicinity of your furnace between 50 and 60 percent.

Alternate Your Air Filter Frequently
Another technique to keep the heat exchanger in good condition is to maintain regular air filter replacements. The job exchange will be more difficult and the furnace may overheat if the air filter is clogged.

Refresh The AC Coil
Keep an eye on the coils surrounding the unit as you operate the air conditioner in your house. Because the coils might lead to heat exchanger rust from moisture leaks, including their cleaning in your annual maintenance charge.

Conclusion

As part of your routine furnace maintenance schedule, you should clean your heat exchanger. Have a professional come out to clean the exchange and inspect it to make sure it’s operating properly if you don’t clean it yourself.

How To Clean A Heat Exchanger In A Goodman Furnace

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