Cleaning your home’s air ducts and vents has many advantages. The dust in your HVAC system is harmful to your health. A thorough cleaning removes dust, grime, and other harmful materials from your home and assures pure air. Clean ducts will also help your air conditioner and heater last longer.
It’s tempting to clean your ducts in this age of do-it-yourself home improvements. While hiring a professional cleaner is an option, doing it yourself can save you money. The only obstacles are a lack of needed tools and cleaning skills. Nonetheless, here is a tip on cleaning your home’s air ducts.
Get the Right Tools & Gear
Air duct cleaning is not an easy chore, especially if you lack the necessary gear. You’ll need money to buy the necessary tools. These tools are common and cheap. It’s surprising how easy they are to get. If you can’t afford cleaning supplies, consider renting or borrowing from a neighbor. Here are the tools:
1. Vacuum
A regular vacuum cleaner will do. Make sure it has a long enough hose to reach all the tight spots. If you can afford it, invest in a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner for the best results.
2. Brush
A long-handled dust brush is great for cleaning ductwork. Make sure the brush has strong bristles.
3. Drill
Air ducts and vents are commonly fixed using screws or other features. To clean your ducts, use a regular screwdriver to loosen them.
4. Cleaning Cloths
Dusting and wiping around your air ducts and vents will require cleaning cloths and paper towels. These will also be needed to clean supply registers.
5. Filter for furnace
Clogging might damage your furnace filter. So, make a replacement at the finish of your cleaning. Always choose a matching furnace filter.
How to Clean Your Own Air Ducts
Here are some best methods to clean your air ducts.
1. Closing Supply Registers
Cover the supply registers with paper towels or microfiber cloths before cleaning your air ducts and vents. Your ducts will be thoroughly cleaned, so keep the dust from spreading throughout your home. Lift the grills and cover them with paper towels before replacing them.
2. Start fan
Turn on the fan right before cleaning your ducts. This will release the dust and help it move along as you clean. But turn off the heat supply.
3. Supply Registers
It is only logical to clean your supply registers now that dust and other materials have been gathered. Cleaning your supply registers with a brush or a vacuum depends on the amount of junk. Remove the registers and clean out the dust. Sweep deep into the registers’ plumbing system.
4. Return Air Registers
Unscrew the return air registers and brush any dust from the piping system. To clean deeper inside the cavity, use a brush with a longer handle.
5. Unplug the System’s power
After a few minutes, turn off the power to the system and get down to business. This is because accessing the main ducts while the system is running is extremely dangerous.
6. Remove Duct Covers
Air duct coverings are frequently secured using screws. Unscrew air duct covers and grills to allow access to your ducts. Clean the grate with a cloth. If they are excessively dirty, use soap and water.
7. Vacuum the Ducts
Your vacuum cleaner’s hose should reach tight spaces. Vacuum your air ducts thoroughly. A normal vacuum cleaner is not powerful enough to thoroughly clean. Brush the ducts of mould and mildew. Wipe the duct’s interior with your cleaning cloth as well.
8 Degrease Blower Compart
Now that the power is off, you can remove the front panels to access the return air boot and the blower compartment. Dust and grime accumulate around the furnace, causing an obstruction. Vacuum the blower compartment. When cleaning the furnace fan, take special care not to harm it.
9. Change Furnace Filter
Filter clogging and dust buildup will damage your furnace. A clogged filter restricts airflow and shortens the life of your air conditioner. Replace your furnace filter after cleaning your air ducts and vents. If you can’t change a furnace filter, hire a professional.
Conclusion
Air duct and dryer vent cleaning can be useful if done appropriately. But after it’s all over, your house will undoubtedly be a disaster. Vacuum your home and dust your furnishings with cleaning cloths. If you’re having difficulties cleaning your air ducts, try hiring a specialist.
