Is your HVAC system showing signs like poor airflow or a musty smell? These signs indicate that your HVAC ducts need cleaning. Knowing how to clean your HVAC air ducts will improve your home's air quality and help the system work efficiently. This blog provides information regarding the tools needed to clean the HVAC ducts and the steps involved.
When Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
- If you notice improperly sealed sealants and tapes on the ducts, they need to be repaired and cleaned.
- Duct cleaning is needed after any home renovations or remodeling because home renovations leave behind a heap of dust after the work is completed.
- If there's any pest infestation or animal nest inside the duct, cleaning is a must.
- If there is heavy mold growth inside the duct, it's essential to clean the duct. However, cleaning mold on your own can be dangerous, so call an expert to handle it.
- If your air duct is more than 7 years old or shows signs of leaks, it's time to clean it.
- Additionally, ducts that have not been cleaned for a long time should be serviced. It means regular duct cleaning should be part of the home cleaning.
Tools Required for a Diy Duct Cleaning
Here's a list of equipment that is needed to clean the air duct.
- High-powered Vacuum
- Gloves and Goggles
- New Furnace Air filter
- Bristle Brush for sweeping off debris
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- Screwdriver for removing screws from vents
- Paper towels
Here's a Step-by-step Guide to Clean Your HVAC Ducts
1. Pull out the screws and remove the cover from air ducts, air vents, and return- air grill plates.
2. Cover the supply vents using paper towels, and cover the other vents that you are not cleaning. Lift the vent and put a paper towel between the vent cover and the wall or floor. You don't need to re-screw the covers again.
3. Set the thermostat to the fan-only position and turn off the heat and cool mode. If your thermostat lacks a fan-only option, turn on the heating mode.
4. If you find dust built up in the ductwork, use a brush to loosen it.
5. Raise the vent register and push the vacuum hose as far into the duct as possible. Turn on the vacuum to suck as much dust as possible pushed by the fan through the ductwork.
6. When vacuuming is completed, remove dust buildup from the register with the help of a brush.
7. Take a microfiber cloth and reach the duct as much as possible to clean the interior part of the duct. Rinse the cloth frequently as needed.
8. Now remove and throw away the paper towels.
9. With the help of your brush, clean the return registers.
10. Turn off the fan and turn off the furnace by using a service switch or breaker panel.
11. Take out the front panels of the furnace. Access the blower compartment and the return air boot. By using your vacuum, clean the dust buildup from the blower compartment, return the air boot and furnace fan.
12. Even after cleaning, if the air filter is clogged with dust and contaminants, it is advised to replace the furnace air filter.
Drawbacks of DIY HVAC Duct Cleaning
DIY HVAC duct cleaning is a budget-friendly option. A DIY cleaning can easily increase the air quality of your home and reduce your energy bills. But there are a few significant risks associated with the DIY cleaning process.
Faulty Ducts
Thin ducts can easily get worn out during DIY HVAC duct cleaning. Even a small hole can affect the air quality by spreading dirt and dust, and can also increase the utility bills.
Degraded air quality
Though a DIY cleaning will improve the air quality of your home to some extent, it is not as effective as a professional cleaning. This is because professional cleaners use proper equipment to clean a HVAC duct which we don't have.
Overburdened System
Improper cleaning methods and low maintenance can cost you more in the future. This will increase the risk of wear and tear to the duct, which may cause early breakdown.
Get Professional Help
Hiring an expert will help you to avoid duct damage and unsafe cleaning. Calling a professional will also save your time, energy, and future expenses. They have both professional equipment and knowledge to carry out a perfect HVAC duct cleaning. The best time to call a professional and get your HVAC duct cleaned is at the beginning of spring or fall.
