It is important to keep the air ducts in your home clean so that air quality remains good and your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system works properly. It should be professionally cleaned every few years, but you can clean your system yourself occasionally to extend its life and make it more efficient. Here’s what you need to know about cleaning your own air ducts:
First: safety
Make sure you take proper safety precautions before you start:
Turn off the power: For your own safety, always turn off the power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker.
Wear safety equipment. To prevent dust and other things from harming you, wear gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask or respirator.
Have your tools ready.
To properly clean your pipes, you need a few simple tools:
Cleaner: The best cleaner is one with a long hose. If possible, use a cleaner made specifically for HVAC systems and equipped with a HEPA filter to prevent dust from re-entering your home.
Brush: A stiff-bristled brush can help you remove dust and other debris from your ducts.
To open the ventilation cover and grille, you will need a screwdriver or drill.
Microfiber cloths can be used to clean ventilation grilles and the inside of air ducts.
Furnace filter: After cleaning the system, install a new furnace filter to ensure it is working properly.
How to clean air ducts
1. Prepare the area
Make sure the area around vents and openings is clean. This makes it easy to reach and prevents dust from entering other parts of the house.
2. Remove and clean the ventilation covers.
Remove the ventilation covers from the floor, wall or ceiling. Clean them with soap and warm water and allow them to dry completely before replacing them.
3. Clean the ducts with a vacuum cleaner
Insert the vacuum cleaner hose as far into the pipe as possible. Before cleaning your ducts, use a brush to remove dust and dirt. Be careful not to damage the pipes.
4. Use a brush to clean the inside of the tube.
Scrub the sides of the pipe with a stiff brush. This helps remove deposits that your vacuum cleaner cannot remove.
5. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the channels.
Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe down the inside of the pipes within easy reach to remove any remaining dust.
6. Replace the filter in your furnace
Keeping your furnace filter clean is important to keep the air clean and prevent dust from moving through your home. Buy a new filter that is compatible with your machine and replace the old one.
How to perform maintenance
Replace filters regularly: Manufacturers will tell you how often you should replace your HVAC filter, but depending on how often you use it and the type of filter, this could take anywhere from 30 to 90 days.
Don’t block the vents: Make sure curtains or furniture don’t block the airflow through the vents.
Hire a professional cleaner: Even if you perform regular maintenance yourself, you may want to have a professional clean your system every few years to clean hard-to-reach parts.
In brief
Cleaning your air ducts yourself is a good idea because it keeps your HVAC system in good condition and makes the air in your home healthier. But remember that professional cleaners use special tools and methods to thoroughly clean the entire air duct system. You can do some maintenance yourself and have it cleaned by a professional if necessary to ensure that your HVAC system works properly and lasts as long as possible.
