If you have a ventless gas heater in your home, you may have noticed that it can become clogged with dust and debris over time. This can cause the heater to stop working, and in some cases, people may even throw it away.
However, cleaning a ventless heater is not as difficult as it may seem, and with a few simple steps, you can have your heater working like new again.
Supplies Needed To Clean A Ventless gas heater
Make sure you have all of the necessary equipment before starting to clean your ventless gas heater. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you don’t have to stop in the middle of cleaning to go find a missing tool.
- Screwdriver
- Brush
- Air nozzle
- Compressed air
- Toothpick
- Damp rag
- Small vacuum cleaner
- Crescent wrench
Note: It’s important to ensure that all equipment used is clean and free of debris to avoid any potential damage to the heater.
Let us get in to cleaning now
#1 Shut Down The Heater
Before starting the cleaning process, make sure that the heater is turned off completely. This will ensure your safety and prevent any accidental burns. At least thirty to forty minutes to be on the safe side.
#2 Remove the Front Panel
To access the inside of your ventless heater, you will need to remove the front panel. Start by locating the two screws that are located underneath the heater, one on each side. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws, and then carefully pull the front panel off.
If you haven’t used your heater for a while, it’s a good idea to inspect whether all the parts are rust-free and that insects don’t abode the insides of the heater.
Image credits: Wayne
#3 Clean the Dust
Once you have removed the front panel, you will see that there is a lot of dust and debris inside the heater. Use a brush to clean this out, being careful not to damage any of the components.
#4 Remove the DuPont Light
The DuPont light is a small piece that can become clogged with dust and debris, causing the heater to stop working. To clean this, you will need to remove the thermocouple and striker, which are the two pieces that create the spark to light the heater. Use a screwdriver to remove these pieces and set them aside.
Image credits: Kevin
# 5: Clean the Pilot Tube
Follow the pilot tube down and locate the nut that holds it in place. Loosen the nut and use an air nozzle to blow out any dust or debris that may have accumulated inside. Be sure not to exceed 100 psi, as this could damage the fibreglass orifice.
#6 Clean the DuPont Light
With the thermocouple and striker removed, you can now access the DuPont light. This small piece has air holes that can become clogged with dust and debris, causing the heater to stop working.
Use compressed air to clean out the air holes and remove any debris. You can also use a toothpick to remove any dust that is stuck in the air holes.
#7 Clean the Burners
Use the air nozzle to blow out any dust or debris from the burners. Start with the back burner and work your way forward. Be sure to cover the vent hole while blowing air into the burners.
#8 Reassemble the Heater
Once you have cleaned the DuPont light, you can reassemble the heater. Use a damp rag to wipe down the inside of the heater and remove any remaining dust. Use a small vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining dust and debris.
Next, reattach the thermocouple and striker, being sure to line up the slots correctly. Reattach the tube that connects to the DuPont light, and use a crescent wrench to tighten it in place.
Finally, reattach the front panel and secure it in place with the two screws.
#9 Clean the Heat Shield
After you have cleaned all the internal components of the ventless gas heater, the final step is to clean the heat shield.
The heat shield is the protective metal covering that surrounds the burner and prevents any debris from falling into the burner. It also helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the room.
To clean the heat shield, start by turning off the heater and allowing it to cool down completely. Once the heater is cool, remove the front panel and grill. This will give you access to the heat shield.
Using a damp towel, wipe down the heat shield to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on it. Avoid using any cleaning chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the heat shield and cause it to rust.
Once you have wiped down the heat shield, replace the grill and front panel. Secure them in place with the screws, and turn the heater back on to ensure that it is working properly.
By regularly cleaning the heat shield, you can help to prolong the life of your ventless gas heater and ensure that it operates efficiently. A clean heat shield can also help to prevent any potential safety hazards, such as fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
