Cleaning out your dirty air ducts is a necessary step in maintaining the health and cleanliness of indoor environments. With this DIY guide, you’ll learn how best to take care of these important ventilation systems so they’re always working at peak efficiency!
Things you would need
- Ladder
- High-powered vacuum – Make sure you have a nozzle and a hose attachment to reach further inside your ducts.
- A screwdriver – you’ll need one that would fit your register’s screws
- Brush – a vent cleaning brush, paintbrush or toilet brush would do
- Rags or Paper towels – you’ll use this to cover other registers around the house while cleaning and wiping down escaping dust.
- Air Filter – it’s always a good idea to replace your air filters after cleaning your air ducts
Air duct cleaning steps
- Remove vent covers (also known as Registers) with your screwdriver, wash by hand or you could put them in the dishwasher, and dry them.
- Use the rag or paper towels to cover the openings of your supply registers. This prevents dust from blowing out of them and landing on your walls and floor while you are cleaning ducts in other parts of the HVAC system. You will remove the covers to do your cleaning, but it’s a good idea to replace them after you are finished each time.
- With your brush handle, tap around the walls of the ductwork to loosen up the dust that’s attached to it.
- Use the nozzle and brush attachments on your vacuum hose to suck away all of the dirt within your reach. Then use a rag or paper towels to wipe them down. Repeat this process for every opening to your ductwork.
- Replace your air filter. It’s always a good practice to replace your air filter whenever you clean your air ducts to be sure that the air passing through them would be clean and free of contaminants.
- After making sure that all the ductwork, filters, and vents are clean, it’s time to screw them back on.
Industrial strength duct cleaning vacuums are hard to find. Several rental retailers offer high-powered vacuums and hoses for rent. These vacuum cleaners will have more power than your typical home vacuum cleaner and longer hoses to get more of the dust out. Additionally, you can also buy vent cleaning brushes for about $20.
Why do you need to keep your air ducts clean?
The fact that your air ducts are filthy isn’t going to make you ill, but having them cleaned is beneficial for maintaining the general air quality in your house. Duct cleaning improves ventilation and reduces allergens by removing pollutants including pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores, household dust mites (which can also contribute to allergy symptoms), and other germs. It’s not only something you should do once every five years; it’s a critical preventive measure to maintain an efficient indoor climate for everyone who lives there!
How often should I clean my air ducts?
You should clean your air ducts at least once every five years. However, if you have pets or if someone in your house suffers from allergies, it’s a good idea to have your ducts cleaned more often if you notice that the air coming out of your vent isn’t as fresh and clean as it should be. You’ll know that first-hand after the cleaning.
How long does DIY air duct cleaning take?
It usually takes around two to four hours to clean air ducts DIY-style. However, this may vary depending on the size and layout of your ductwork, as well as how much dust and dirt has built up over time. The more cleaning you need to do, the more time it’ll take.
When to hire a professional?
If you have a large home, or your ductwork is especially difficult to access, it might be a good idea to hire a professional air duct cleaning service. Professionals have the experience and equipment necessary to clean your ducts thoroughly and efficiently. They can also help identify and resolve any issues with your HVAC system like leaks.
While you may attempt to clean your air ducts yourself, we strongly advise hiring a professional for a more thorough cleaning. Your home’s HVAC system is a delicate machine with many parts that need professional care. The motor, housing, and coils may all be covered in dust requiring expertise to clean them safely without causing further damage or injury.
Apart from dust, pests and microbial pathogens could also be living in your air ducts. The use of chemical agents, such as pesticides and biocides, will require the expertise of a professional. Your HVAC system may have been contaminated or damaged by pests, resulting in unexpected hazards.
Air ducts can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, so it’s important to keep them clean. If you’re not sure how to take care of your air system yourself, we have the DIY guide right here! With our quick and easy tips on how to maintain your venting systems, you’ll never worry about cleaning out dirty air ducts again. DIY air duct cleaning can be cost-efficient but doing it yourself does not guarantee the best outcome. Hiring a professional is still highly recommended. Our team at American Air Duct in Austin would gladly be of help. Call us now at (512)960-3631!
