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 appropriate: Vers filtres plus efficaces (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
Votre fournaise doit fonctionner plus efficacement après nettoyage. Sinon on revient identifier et corriger sans frais.
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 fournaises 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
Votre famille mérite une fournaise qui chauffe efficacement pis sécuritairement. Un nettoyage professionnel peut transformer une fournaise fatiguée en système comme neuf.
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
FAQ – Nettoyage de fournaise au Québec
Pourquoi ma fournaise fait plus de bruit qu’avant?
Dans la majorité des cas qu’on rencontre, le bruit vient du ventilateur et de la turbine encrassés. La poussière s’accumule, déséquilibre la cage d’écureuil et force le moteur. Résultat : vibrations, grincements et usure accélérée.
Est-ce qu’une fournaise sale peut être dangereuse?
Oui, et c’est loin d’être exagéré. Une fournaise encrassée augmente les risques de combustion incomplète et de fuites de monoxyde de carbone. On a déjà trouvé des échangeurs fissurés qui passaient inaperçus simplement parce que personne n’avait nettoyé ni inspecté le système.
Est-ce normal que mes factures de chauffage augmentent sans raison apparente?
Très souvent, oui… à cause de l’encrassement. Une fournaise sale peut consommer 20 à 35 % plus d’énergie pour donner le même confort. Elle force plus longtemps et démarre plus souvent, surtout pendant les grands froids québécois.
À quelle fréquence faut-il nettoyer une fournaise?
Pour une maison résidentielle standard, on recommande un nettoyage professionnel une fois par année, idéalement avant l’hiver. Avec des animaux, des rénovations récentes ou des allergies, on conseille parfois plus souvent.
Est-ce que changer le filtre suffit?
Non. Le filtre protège partiellement le système, mais il ne nettoie ni l’échangeur de chaleur, ni les brûleurs, ni le ventilateur. On voit souvent des fournaises avec filtres neufs, mais un intérieur complètement noir de poussière.
Quels sont les signes qu’un nettoyage est urgent?
Odeur de gaz, flamme jaune/orange, suie noire, poussière qui sort des bouches d’air, maux de tête fréquents l’hiver, ou factures qui explosent. Ces signes-là, on ne les ignore jamais.
Est-ce que le nettoyage améliore vraiment la qualité de l’air?
Oui, de façon très concrète. Une fournaise propre arrête de redistribuer poussières, allergènes et contaminants dans toute la maison. Beaucoup de clients nous disent remarquer moins de poussière et un air plus léger après le nettoyage.
Est-ce risqué de nettoyer sa fournaise soi-même?
Absolument. Une mauvaise manipulation peut endommager l’échangeur, les brûleurs ou les contrôles électroniques, sans parler des risques liés au gaz. Une fournaise, ce n’est pas un électroménager ordinaire — la sécurité passe avant tout.
Est-ce que toutes les fournaises se nettoient de la même façon?
Non. Une fournaise au gaz, électrique, bi-énergie ou au mazout n’a pas les mêmes composants ni les mêmes points critiques. Même entre marques (Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman), les procédures varient. L’expérience terrain est essentielle.
Combien de temps prend un nettoyage complet de fournaise?
En général entre 2 et 3 heures pour un nettoyage sérieux avec inspection de sécurité. Si quelqu’un est “fini” en 45 minutes, c’est rarement un nettoyage en profondeur.
Le nettoyage peut-il prolonger la durée de vie de ma fournaise?
Oui. Un entretien annuel peut ajouter 8 à 12 ans à la durée de vie d’une fournaise. Ça permet aussi d’éviter des réparations majeures comme un moteur brûlé ou un échangeur à remplacer.
Comment savoir si le nettoyage a été bien fait?
Après un bon nettoyage, la fournaise est plus silencieuse, chauffe plus vite, consomme moins et ne dégage aucune odeur anormale. Surtout, vous repartez avec une tranquillité d’esprit côté sécurité — et ça, ça n’a pas de prix.
