Can you clean a furnace yourself?

You can vacuum surface dust and replace the filter. Internal cleaning requires a professional HVAC technician.

Why is my furnace making strange noises?

Could be a dirty filter, loose part, or major issue. Replace the filter first. If it persists, call a technician.

Annual inspection and basic cleaning: $100-$300. Major service or repair: more depending on the issue.

Yes. A dirty filter can increase energy use by 15% and shorten the life of your furnace.

Household

A clean furnace makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

1
Turn off the furnace and gas
Turn off the furnace at the thermostat. Turn off the gas supply at the shutoff valve. Safety first.
2
Remove the access panel
Unscrew the front access panel to expose the furnace interior. Set the panel aside.
3
Vacuum dust and debris
Use the vacuum brush attachment to gently vacuum dust from the interior. Be careful around delicate components.
4
Replace the filter
Remove the old filter and replace with a new one of the correct size. This is the most important step.
5
Reassemble and restore
Replace the access panel, restore gas, and turn the thermostat back on. Listen for normal operation.

TIPReplace your furnace filter every 1-3 months during heavy use to maintain efficiency.
TIPSchedule professional furnace inspection annually before winter for safety and efficiency.
TIPDIY cleaning is limited to surface dust and filter changes -- internal cleaning requires a professional.

XCleaning while gas or power is on, which is extremely dangerous.
XSkipping filter replacement, which causes the furnace to work harder and waste energy.
XDIY internal cleaning of complex components, which can cause damage or unsafe operation.

Replace filter every 1-3 months. Professional cleaning annually.