How To Clean A Wall-Mount Gas Heater
Our cleaning experts show you how to clean your wall-mount gas heater, a crucial task for its proper maintenance. As the weather gets colder and winter gets closer, wall-mounted gas heaters, which are like gas furnaces, are an excellent way to keep small spaces warm.
Wall heaters can run on electricity, a gas line, or propane. But some homes still use older wall-mounted gas heaters. Before you start using them again after the warm season, it’s important to clean them, both on the outside and inside.
In this article, we will uncover the tips to clean gas wall heaters.
Why Should You Clean Your Gas Heater?
Your wall-mounted gas heater works by taking in air from your room, heating it up through combustion, and then releasing the warm air back into the room.
Over time, like other things in your home, your heater can gather dust and dirt. If you have pets, their fur can also get caught in the heater. That’s why it’s important to clean it.
It’s important to clean your wall heater regularly when you’re using it. However, during the warm months when the heater is not in use, cleaning can be easily forgotten.
If you turn on a wall heater that has collected dust, dirt, and pet hair during the summer, the heater won’t just warm the air.
It will also warm up all that gathered stuff, which can cause a bad smell, make the heater work less effectively, or even create a fire risk. So, cleaning your wall gas heater is important to avoid these issues.
How to Stay Safe While Cleaning Wall Gas Heater
Before you start cleaning your wall-mounted gas furnace, it’s crucial to follow some safety steps.
First, cut the power supply to the furnace. This ensures it’s turned off, and you won’t accidentally touch hot parts. Locate the gas supply valve and turn it off.
Make sure the pilot light is not lit before you begin cleaning. These precautions keep you safe during the cleaning process.
Tools Required to Clean Wall Heaters
Before starting the cleaning process, gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a screwdriver, a vacuum cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and a can of compressed air.
PRO TIP: Make sure to unplug the wall heater before you begin.
| Dust mask |
| Safety glasses |
| Drop cloth |
| Voltage detector |
| Small container |
| Phillips and flathead screw drivers |
| Bucket filled with soapy water and wash cloth |
| Air compressor or vacuum with blower option |
How to Clean Wall Gas Heater
Exterior Cleaning
Start by using a duster or a slightly damp cloth to clean the outside of your wall-mounted furnace.
Accessing the Inside
To clean the inside, grab a screwdriver and remove the screws from the front panel. Usually, there are just two screws, often found at the bottom of the panel. But some heaters might have more screws, typically at the corners or along the sides.
Dust Removal
To get rid of the dust inside, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. It’s even better if the attachment has a brush at the end. Gently vacuum away the dust from the interior surfaces.
Following these steps will help keep your wall-mounted furnace clean and working efficiently (1).
Cleaning the Pilot Light and Burner Airflow
Pilot Light Area
Once you’ve finished vacuuming inside, pay attention to the pilot light area. It’s where the small flame that starts the main burners is. About 2 inches below that, you’ll find something called the oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), which has two small holes.
Clearing the ODS
Over time, dust and debris can build up in the ODS, making it less effective at sensing the oxygen levels in the room. To fix this, use a can of compressed air to blow away any blockages from the holes.
Main Burner Air Intake
Follow the gas supply tube to where it connects with the main burner. You’ll see a gap between the opening and the burner. Use compressed air to clear this gap.
Final Checks
Before closing up the heater, make sure the burner port holes are free from dust, debris, and pet hair. Use compressed air to clean them out.
Once you’re satisfied, put the front panel back in place, secure it with screws, and then restore power. Open the gas supply valve, and you can safely turn on your wall heater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Cleaning Your Wall-Mount Gas Heater
1. Why Should You Clean Your Gas Heater?
Gas heaters collect dust and dirt over time, affecting their efficiency and safety. Cleaning is crucial to prevent bad odors, reduced effectiveness, and potential fire risks.
2. How Often Should I Clean My Gas Heater?
Regular cleaning is essential before using your gas heater in colder months, as dust accumulates during periods of inactivity.
3. What Safety Precautions Should I Take?
Before cleaning, ensure you cut power, turn off the gas supply, and verify the pilot light is off to guarantee safety.
4. What Tools and Materials Are Needed?
You’ll need a screwdriver, vacuum cleaner with a hose, microfiber cloth, and compressed air. Safety gear includes a dust mask and safety glasses.
5. How Do I Clean the Exterior of My Heater?
Use a duster or damp cloth for the exterior. Unplug the heater before cleaning.
6. How Do I Access the Inside for Cleaning?
Remove the front panel using a screwdriver. Usually, there are two screws at the bottom.
7. How Do I Remove Dust from the Interior?
Use the vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently clean interior surfaces.
8. How Do I Clean the Pilot Light and Burner Airflow Area?
For the pilot light area, use compressed air to clear dust from the oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) holes. For the main burner’s air intake, use compressed air to clean any gaps.
9. What Final Checks Should I Perform?
Ensure burner port holes are clear of debris. Reattach the front panel, secure it with screws, restore power, open the gas supply valve, and safely turn on your wall heater.
10. Do Gas Heaters Need Professional Cleaning?
Yes, professional cleaning at least once a year is recommended for thorough maintenance, safety, and optimal performance.
11. Do gas heaters need to be cleaned?
Certainly, gas heaters should be cleaned. Dust and dirt can build up, making them work less effectively and safely. It’s best to have a professional clean your gas heater every year to keep it running well and safely.
Conclusion
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clean your wall-mounted gas heater, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance for safety and efficiency. It covers the cleaning process, safety precautions, required tools, and step-by-step instructions for both exterior and interior cleaning. The article concludes by stressing the significance of maintaining a clean heater to avoid potential issues when using it during colder seasons.
Reference:
- https://www.finesgas.com/cleaning-gas-heaters
