How to Open the Blower Compartment on a Furnace

Replacing filters or servicing the blower on your furnace requires removal of the blower compartment service panel. The service panel is basically the front of the furnace. Some furnaces have an upper and lower service panel, while others have a single full-length service panel. Opening the blower compartment on a furnace depends on the brand you own; manufacturers use different methods of securing them to the furnace body. Although there are different methods of securing them, the service panels remove in a similar fashion.

Nut driver

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the thermostat to the “Off” position and allow the furnace blower to stop before opening the blower compartment. The blower creates a vacuum, pushing air through the furnace filter.
- 2
  Remove the screws that secure the service panel to the furnace with a nut driver, if your service panels uses screws. The screws are either on the top ledge or bottom ledge of the service panel. Some furnaces have a thumb lock mechanism that turns counterclockwise with your fingers to release the service panel. Many service panels do not have any securing mechanism and simply fit into a channel.
- 3
  Grab the handle on the top front of the service panel with your fingers, if your service panel has a handle. If the panel does not have a service panel, grab it at both sides.
- 4
  Lift up on the service panel until the bottom clears the channel it sits in. Swing the bottom of the panel away from the furnace. Pull the entire service panel away. The blower compartment is now open and ready for service.

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