Given how air ducts make an appearance in many different areas within your home, it makes perfect sense to have them cleaned on occasion. Air duct cleaning prevents dust and debris from building up inside the system, helping improve indoor air quality. But how often should you have your ductwork cleaned, and how do you know that it’s time? Broom Heating & Air Conditioning, the cooling and heating repair expert, answers these questions and more here.
Your heating and air conditioning ducts are the lungs of your home. Like your lungs, the ducts work better with clean air.
To clean the ducts of a heating and air conditioning system yourself, you will need a few tools and supplies:
- A stiff brush with a long handle to reach into the ducts and scrub away debris.
- A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove debris from the ducts.
- A rag or cloth to wipe down the inside of the ducts.
- A ladder or step stool to reach the ducts in high places.
- Safety goggles, a dust mask, and gloves to protect yourself from dust and debris.
Instructions:
- Turn off the power to the HVAC system and close all vents in the house.
- Locate the main ducts and use the brush to scrub away any debris or buildup.
- Use the vacuum cleaner to suction out the debris and dust.
- Wipe down the inside of the ducts with a rag or cloth.
- Check all the vents and make sure they are open and working properly.
- Turn on the power to the HVAC system and test for proper operation.
It's also important to note that if your system has mold, heavy debris or has not been serviced for long time it's best to call a professional to do the job.
However there is some dispute as to how clean your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts need to be.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the light dust found in ductwork is less hazardous than contaminants stirred up by cooking, cleaning, smoking, and even walking across the carpet. And HVAC ducts are part of a sealed system—they don’t accumulate dust like shelves and furniture. Airborne particles are prevented from entering the HVAC system by furnace and air conditioner filters. This is why your first—and best—line of defense is to replace HVAC filters on a regular basis. Filters are inexpensive insurance against costly problems in the future.
If you have mold growing on the sheet metal of your ductwork, you may need to take some additional steps. While you can’t see into the ducts, presence of mold is indicated by odors and damp filters or wall insulation. An HVAC professional can determine if you have mold in your ducts.
Ducts can also get infested with rodents, insects, and other vermin. This is a serious problem that needs immediate attention from professionals. The droppings and dander produced by vermin quickly creates an unhealthy environment in your home.
When it comes to the nitty gritty, cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires tools, such as a high-powered vacuum and rotary brushes, that you don’t have lying around in the garage. In addition, an improper cleaning job could damage the ducts, resulting in expensive repairs.
The best DIY project for your HVAC system involves the good old vacuum cleaner. Keep the floor grilles and wall duct registers clean with the vacuum brush attachment. If there’s a lot of dust, unscrew the grills and hose out the visible interior of the ducts. Also, don’t forget the cold-air returns.
If you decide to call in the professionals, be aware that there are companies out there who take advantage of people’s fear of mold and allergens. They might offer a “free inspection” and then charge a huge sum to treat (nonexistent) mold and to “seal” the entire system. Make sure your HVAC cleaners are recommended on crowd-source review websites or have positive ratings from customers.
Aside from expert air conditioning services, Duct Heating & Air Conditioning Cleaners can also handle all your indoor air quality needs. With our high-quality solutions and experienced crew, we’ll make sure your living space remains safe and healthy all year ’round. We proudly serve Melbourne and Sydney, plus the surrounding areas. Call us today at……………. to schedule your consultation
