Cleaning Air Ventilation Ducts (DIY)

If you are anything like most American homeowners, your HVAC system is crucial to your home and your family’s comfort. If you want it to keep your unit running smoothly, it’s a good idea to invest in proper cleaning and maintenance on a regular basis. One of the areas of an HVAC system that does not get much attention is the air ventilation ductwork, which should be cleaned out every so often. If you’ve never tried do to clean your AC ducts before, it can seem a difficult prospect. Fortunately, it’s actually not as hard as you might think with the right information at your disposal. Read on to find out what you need to know to clean air ventilation ducts and how regular maintenance can keep your HVAC system functioning properly.

Why You Should Clean Your Ventilation Ducts

There are a number of great reasons to regularly clean your ventilation ducts that you might not be aware of. Primarily, periodic cleaning will prevent the build-up of dirt, dust, and other debris that can cause long term damage to your HVAC system. On top of that, cleaning your ventilation ducts can greatly improve your indoor air quality, helping your family to breathe easy. Furthermore, improperly cleaned ducts will lead to mold and bacterial growth that could spread to other areas of the house, possibly attracting vermin and other pests.

Know What Kind of Ducts You Have

Before you start your cleaning process, you should find out exactly what kind of ducts are featured in your home, as this will directly affect how you should clean them. The most common forms of residential duct work include:

• Metal Ducting: Metal restricts airflow, attracting dust and particles and making the ducts more susceptible to mildew and mold growth.
• Fiberglass Ducting: Fiberglass can be damaged by wet sponges, so be careful.
• Flex Ducting: The most easily damaged duct type, flex ducting can be irritated by just about any cleaning product and will likely need to be replaced.

Equipment You Will Need

Once you’ve determined the type of ducts in your house and are aware of their particular cleaning difficulties, your next step should be to gather all the equipment you’ll need to complete your taks. The most useful equipment for cleaning ventilation ducts includes:

• Vacuum with a decent hose
• Stiff-bristle brush or a toilet brush
• Screwdrivers
• Paper towels or napkins
• A new furnace filter

Basic Cleaning Instructions

With your equipment in hand, you can now begin cleaning your air ducts. Here are the most important steps in the cleaning process that will clear your air ducts of debris and improve the functioning of your HVAC system:

1. Cover up your supply air registers before turning on the fan. You will need to check your filter to make sure that the dust you are knocking loose does not get caught in the fan motor.
2. Now you will loosen dust in the ducts themselves before sweeping away the dust in the supply and return registers.
3. Only after doing this should you turn off the fan and furnace so that you can move into the blower compartment and return air boot and clean away dust there.
4. Replace your old furnace filter with a new one before wrapping up.

While it’s possible to run into complications throughout the course of your job, these basic steps will help you get your duct work in tip-top shape.

Clean Air Ventilation Ducts Quickly and Easily

When the duct work in your home’s HVAC system is clear, your system will be more efficient, better able to cool your home and will produce cleaner air for better breathing. If you clean air ventilation ducts on a regular basis, your HVAC system will continue to work at the level you need for years to come.