When it comes to keeping your home's air clean and healthy, cleaning your HVAC ducts is an important step. But how do you go about it? In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean your HVAC ducts. First, cover any ventilation openings with paper towels. Then, set the thermostat to the FAN ON position.
This will help to ensure that any contaminants are mechanically expelled from the air ducts. If your home has a musty smell when you turn on the air conditioning system, or if it smells like rodent droppings, it's important to clean the air ducts immediately. This is especially true for people who suffer from severe allergies, as cleaning the air ducts can reduce allergens in the air. If you regularly perform routine HVAC maintenance, install the proper filtration and purification system, and the ducts are properly sealed and show no signs of sagging or breaking, you may not need to clean the air ducts yourself. However, it's worth considering professional duct cleaning if you suspect that mold, pests, or significant debris are accumulating in the system.
It's also a good idea to clean your air ducts after an unusual event such as installing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, carrying out major repairs, or carrying out a dusty home remodeling project. Do-it-yourself duct cleaning allows you to clean your home's air conditioning supply and vents at a much lower cost than professional duct cleaning. To do this, you'll need a chimney cleaning head connected to a 10-foot flexible nylon rod which can be sent through the supply and return ducts. You can also learn to clean air vents by vacuuming accessible areas when you change your HVAC filter. However, this modified version of professional duct cleaning only removes dirt from most of the ducts and doesn't cover the entire system. If you're unsure whether or not you should learn how to clean air ducts yourself and whether it's worth the effort, it's best to speak with an HVAC professional.
They have more specialized tools such as a very powerful vacuum and the experience to clean air ducts with precision. The best way to clean air ducts thoroughly is with professional duct cleaners that have large portable or truck-mounted negative air machines that can create a powerful vacuum throughout the duct system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has demonstrated that cleaning air ducts is only necessary if there is visible mold, pests, or excess dust and dirt in the ventilation ducts. If you're concerned about the cost of cleaning your air ducts (in fact, the price is very reasonable), follow these steps and recommendations carefully and systematically. Cleaning your HVAC ducts is an essential part of maintaining a healthy home environment. It helps reduce allergens in the air and keeps your home smelling fresh. With this step-by-step guide on how to clean your HVAC ducts, you can easily do it yourself or hire a professional for more thorough results.
