Furnace cleaning

Is your furnace making more noise than before? It's starting up more often and your heating bills are rising without explanation? Is dust coming out of your air vents even when you've just cleaned?

The problem is probably that your furnace needs a good professional cleaning to restore its original efficiency.

Why clean your furnace regularly?

Safety first - Preventing serious accidents

A clogged furnace can cause serious damage. carbon monoxide leaks fatal. Dust accumulation on the heat exchanger can create cracks that allow combustion gases to escape.

Visit blocked burners cause incomplete combustion, producing more carbon monoxide and less efficient heat.

Compromised energy efficiency

A dirty furnace must work 30-50% stronger to heat your home at the same temperature. Dust build-up on heating coils and elements insulates heat instead of transferring it.

Premature wear of expensive components

When your furnace is constantly running, the blower motor, l'heat exchanger and electronic controls wear out much faster than expected.

Poor air quality throughout the house

A clogged furnace constantly redistributes the same dust, allergens and contaminants throughout your home via the ventilation system.

Types of furnaces we clean

Residential natural gas furnaces

• CarrierHigh-efficiency and standard models

• LennoxSLP, ELO, ML series

• TraneXV95, XR95, XR90 series

• YorkComplete residential ranges

• GoodmanPopular business models

• Napoleon: Specialized Quebec furnaces

Electric furnaces and hybrid systems

• Central electric furnacesMultiple heating elements

• Dual-energy systemsGas + electricity depending on temperature

• Heat pumps with auxiliary heatingCombined systems

• Geothermal furnacesUnderground interchanges

Commercial and industrial furnaces

• Modular unitsOffices and retail

• High-capacity systemsWarehouses and factories

• Specialized furnaces: According to industrial processes

• Boilers with ventilation: Steam and hot water systems

Old and specialized systems

• Oil furnacesStill present in some regions

• Converted systems: Formerly oil-fired, now gas-fired

• Gravity feed furnacesVery old models without fan

• Radiant heating systemsWith forced air distribution

Our 12-step cleaning process

1. Complete safety inspection

• Checking gas connectionsLeak detection with specialized equipment

• Evacuation system test: Chimney draught and sealing

• Checking safety devicesThermocouples, limiters, controls

• Heat exchanger evaluationCrack and corrosion detection

2. Safe stopping and preparation

• Power failureElectric and gas according to protocols

• Complete cooling: Wait for safe temperature to intervene

• Zone protection: Tarpaulins to prevent dust dispersion

• Tool preparationSpecialized equipment for each component

3. Methodical disassembly of components

• Removing access panels: Without damaging seals

• Fan disassemblyMotor, turbine, housing

• Burner accessSafety clearance according to furnace type

• Filter extractionAll types and locations

4. Intensive cleaning of the heat exchanger

This is the heart of your furnace. L'heat exchanger transfers heat from flue gases to the air in your home.

• Specialized brushes: Clean between fins without damage

• HEPA suction: Removal of any dislodged dust

• Crack inspectionStructural integrity check

• Leak test: Preventing carbon monoxide leaks

5. Complete burner cleaning

• Dismantling the injectors: Cleaning blocked orifices

• Degreasing burners: Disposal of combustion residues

• Checking electrodes: Ignition and flame detection

• Combustion air calibrationOptimum gas/air mix

6. Cleaning the ventilation system

• Fan motorDegreasing and lubrication

• Turbine (squirrel cage)Elimination of unbalancing accumulations

• Fan housingDust evacuation to reduce cooling

• Internal ductsAccessible distribution sections

7. Cleaning cooling coils (if applicable)

On combined heating/cooling systems:

• Evaporator coils: Gentle cleaning of fins

• Condensation trayDisinfection and drainage testing

• Refrigerant lines: Insulation and connections

• Temperature controls: Sensors and thermostats

8. Cleaning electrical and electronic components

• Control panel: Dusting without damaging circuits

• Transformers: Elimination of flammable accumulations

• Relays and contactorsCleaning contacts and checking operation

• ThermostatCalibration and sensor cleaning

9. Antimicrobial treatment of internal surfaces

• Application of biocidal agents: Eliminate bacteria and mold

• Treatment of wetlands: Pans, drains, condensation

• Certified safe productsNo toxic residues after drying

• Contact time respectedMaximum treatment efficacy

10. Filter replacement or cleaning

• Filter evaluationDisposable vs. permanent

• Upgrade if appropriateTowards more efficient filters (MERV 8-13)

• Correct installationPerfect orientation and sealing

• Maintenance instructionsOptimum changeover frequency

11. Checking and adjusting settings

• Gas pressureAdjustment according to manufacturer's specifications

• Air flowOptimization for uniform distribution

• Operating temperatureCalibration of thermostats and limiters

• Start-up sequenceCheck every cycle

12. Complete reassembly and performance testing

• Methodical reinstatementAll components in reverse order

• Combustion testsExhaust gas analysis

• Safety tests: Carbon monoxide detection

• Performance tests: Heating and ventilation efficiency

• Final adjustmentsOptimization for your application

Alarm signals requiring immediate cleaning

Safety hazard indicators

• Gas odor even lightly near the furnace

• Yellow or orange flame instead of blue on gas burners

• Black suede visible on the outside of the furnace

• Excessive condensation on windows during operation

• Headaches or unexplained fatigue in winter

Obvious performance problems

• Frequent start-ups (short cycling)

• Heating time much longer than before

• Uneven temperatures between different parts

• Heating bills which have doubled in just a few years

• Abnormal noisesSqueaks, whistles, vibrations

Visual signs of clogging

• Excessive dust coming out of the air vents

• Black filters after just a few weeks

• Visible accumulation dust on outer panels

• Corrosion or rust on metal components

• Burning smells during the first autumn start-ups

Specialized equipment for furnaces

Mechanical cleaning tools

• Specialized exchanger brushesDifferent sizes depending on fin spacing

• 16-gallon HEPA vacuum cleaner: Power maintained even when filters are loaded

• Air compressor: Controlled blowing in narrow passages

• Ultrasonic cleanersFor small, heavily soiled parts

Diagnostic and safety instruments

• Combustion analyzerCO, O2, combustion efficiency measurement

• Gas leak detectorHigh sensitivity for maximum safety

• Differential pressure gaugeGas pressure and chimney draught

• Thermal cameraHot spot detection and heat loss

Certified cleaning products

• Specialized HVAC degreasersNo flammable residues

• Burner cleanersDissolution of combustion deposits

• Certified antimicrobials: Safe for residential use

• High-temperature lubricants: Motors and bearings

Seasonal preventive maintenance

Autumn preparation (September-October)

• Complete inspection: Before the intensive heating season

• Preventive cleaning: Eliminating summer buildup

• Testing all systemsHeating, ventilation, safety

• Seasonal adjustmentsOptimization for cold climates

Mid-season maintenance (January-February)

• Filter checkReplacement if necessary

• Performance control: Efficiency and consumption

• Mobile lubrication parts: Winter wear prevention

• Safety testCarbon monoxide and combustion

Spring check (April-May)

• Seasonal shutdownPreparation for periods of inactivity

• Light cleaningDust accumulated during winter

• Protection against humidity: Summer corrosion prevention

• Maintenance planning: Program complete cleaning

Recommended cleaning frequency

Standard residential use

• Annually: Optimum preventive maintenance before the season

• Every 6-8 monthsIntensive use (auxiliary electric heating)

• To 9-12 months: Highly airtight houses with efficient filtration

Conditions requiring more frequent cleaning

• PetsHair and dander accelerate soiling

• Smoking in the houseSticky nicotine residue on components

• Recent renovationsVery fine, abrasive construction dust

• Severe allergiesMaintain optimum air quality

Emergency situations

• After a major breakdownChecking causes and preventing recurrence

• Following a security incident: Full inspection mandatory

• Before sale of property: State certification for buyers

• After a long period of inactivity: Back to safe operation

Full warranty on furnace cleaning

12-month safety guarantee

No safety issues related to our cleaning will be tolerated. Free 24h intervention if necessary.

6-month performance warranty

Your furnace should run more efficiently after cleaning. If not, we'll come back to identify and correct it, free of charge.

90-day clean parts guarantee

If a component we've cleaned breaks down due to a cleaning fault, we replace it free of charge.

Written certification included

Official document certifying professional cleaning, accepted by insurance companies and inspectors.

Substantial savings

Reducing energy consumption

Clean furnace can reduce heating bills by 20-35%. On a winter bill of 300$/month, savings of 60-105$ monthly.

Equipment life extension

Annual cleaning can add 8-12 years normal service life. Avoid replacement of 4000-8000$ for additional decade.

Prevention of major repairs

• Cracked heat exchanger1500-3000$ to be replaced

• Fan motor burnt out400-800$ repair

• Damaged burners300-600$ reconditioning

• Electronic controls: 200-500$ replacement

Reducing health risks

Eliminating the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning - invaluable for family safety.

24-hour emergency heating service

Winter in Quebec is unforgiving. Our emergency team can intervene in less than 4 hours for:

• Total breakdowns of heating in extreme cold

• Safety issues detected (monoxide, gas leaks)

• Emergency repairs after cleaning revealing defects

• Return to service after prolonged outages

Vortex Air's recognized expertise in ventilation

Over 10 years' specialized experience

Mohamed and Omar have personally cleaned more than 800 furnaces of all types and ages in the Greater Montreal area.

Certified continuing education

• INVC certification: National Ventilation Institute Canada

• Gas safety trainingMandatory annual update

• Advanced techniques: Continuous improvement of methods

• New equipmentEmerging technologies training

State-of-the-art equipment constantly updated

• Combustion analyzersLatest generation for maximum precision

• Specialized tools: Adapted to each make and model

• Certified productsOnly the safest and most efficient

• Equipped vehicleAll tools available on site

Restore your furnace's original performance and safety

Your family deserves a furnace that heats efficiently and safely. A professional cleaning can turn a tired furnace into a like-new system.

Free inspection and diagnosis

Call now: 514-214-7492
Online: https://vortexair.ca
E-mail us: info@vortexair.ca

24-hour emergency service - Safety certification included - 12-month warranty

Vortex Air ventilation - Your safety and comfort for over 10 years
Over 800 furnaces cleaned - No safety incidents - Gas-certified technicians