Air ducts are not the most glamorous parts of your home, but they're crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dirty air ducts can lead to allergies, asthma, headaches, and colds. The best way to clean your air ducts is to hire a professional, but you can do some essential maintenance. Here's how:
How to Clean Your Air Ducts
Here are the fundamentals, though we don't encourage tackling it as a DIY project:
Examine The Vents
Check the interior of a vent cover for filth, dust, or anything else you don't want in there.
Check The Return Registers
Examine the return air registers for dust accumulation. Pay close attention, especially if the registers are coated with a thick layer.
Take Out The Filter
Remove and inspect the air filter. If your air filter is unclean and dusty, it's time to replace it.
Inspect The Furnace
Check for dust in your furnace compartment, including the blower fan, motor, and furnace controls.
Check The Air Conditioner Coil
Inspect the air conditioning coil. If there is dust on it or the housing walls, your air filter is not operating.
Turn Off The Power
It is important to note that turning off the thermostat does not turn off the unit; you must turn off electricity at the breaker panel or the power switch on the furnace.
Remove And Clean The Air Duct Covers
Remove the air duct covers and clean the grates with a brush. Make an effort to be comprehensive. Clean up the ductwork with a vacuum. A model will provide the maximum maneuverability with a hose.
Vacuum The Ceiling Vents
Finally, clean the ceiling vents. To remove the dust, use a vacuum or brush.
How Long Does It Take To Clean Air Ducts In A House?
The length of time required to clean air ducts varies based on the size of your home, the type of ventilation system you have, and the condition of the ducts. However, cleaning the air ducts in a typical house takes between two and four hours on average.
Will Cleaning My Air Ducts Improve The Scent Of My Home?
Yes! Clean air ducts can help improve the scent of your home. This is because most people don't realize that dirty air ducts can cause bad smells in their homes, which can be very unpleasant. Cleaning your ducts regularly will help prevent these odors from building up in your home.
Final Thoughts
While you may simply clean your air ducts on your own, hiring a professional is still the best way to clean your air ducts for a complete treatment. Your home's HVAC system has several sensitive components that should only be accessed and maintained by a qualified professional. Dust can accumulate on fan motors, housings, heat exchangers, and cooling coils, necessitating professional knowledge and skills to clean safely.
At 4 Ducks Duct Cleaning, we specialize in complete air duct cleaning for properties. Our process includes vacuuming and brushing (to remove the loosened dust and particles) and applying a chemical disinfectant to kill mold spores and bacteria—guaranteeing you'll breathe cleaner air at home.