Before winter is upon us, you might want to consider having your air ducts cleaned. Are you looking to save money and clean your own air vents? Here is a quick duct cleaning how-to guide with tips from the experts.
If you prefer professional duct cleaning, you can hire a local air vent cleaning company to make sure the job is done correctly. But here is our handy guide on how to clean your air ducts on your own.
How it’s done: air duct cleaning explained
Supplies needed:
- Gloves, goggles, and a dust mask
- Power drill or screwdriver
- Dust brush (long handle is preferable)
- Vacuum with hose attachment
- Clean, dry cloth
- New furnace filter
Below is our step-by-step guide on how to do duct cleaning at home.
- Take out the screws from plates on return grills as well as air duct covers. Use the screwdriver or power drill and keep the screws in a safe place so as not to lose them.
- Cover the supply vents while cleaning: Cover those vents which you are not cleaning at the moment to prevent excessive dust and debris from getting everywhere.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to “fan on” setting: This helps to loosen any debris that is trapped within your air vents. As well, it is important to check that the cooling and heating settings are off.
- Use the brush to loosen the debris caught in the air ducts: You won’t be able to thoroughly clean the vents unless you somehow loosen the dust, dander, and other particles that are trapped in the vents. You can gently tap the handle of your cleaning brush to do so and vacuum up the mess as you go.
- Next, clean out the supply registers: Raise up the register and use the hose attachment on the vacuum to carefully and completely remove all dirt and debris that you can safely reach. A damp cloth should easily clean the ductwork interior.
- Repeat step 5 on the air duct return register: Repeat the above process to tidy up the return registers. Do not try to clean beyond your reach.
- Turn off the power: Turn off the fan as well as the power to the HVAC unit at the thermostat. As well, ensure that the service switch/breaker panel is also off for your safety.
- Next, clean the blower compartment and return the air boot: After double-checking that the power is off, take off the front panels for both the blower compartment and return the air boost. Sweep up the debris in both spots using the vacuum. These areas tend to accumulate the most dirt. As well, clean up the furnace fan.
- Replace the filter: One of the best ways to ensure that the air quality in your home is safe is to replace the furnace filter.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
The average household produces as much as forty pounds of dust yearly. Not to mention dead skin, mold, dust, and pet dander. Regular duct cleaning will remove these allergens as well as promote clean air in your home. If you don’t clean them in a timely manner, your home could be susceptible to mold growth as well as rodent and/or insect infestation.
Experts recommend air duct cleaning at least once a year. They should be cleaned more often if anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. Additionally, cleaning your air ducts can help lower your energy costs as well as prolong the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
Contact Complete Clean today for more duct cleaning how-to tips or to schedule an appointment for professional duct cleaning.