The air we breathe is front and center these days when it comes to going forward with healthier homes. Air ducts play an important role in the proper circulation of air in the room and help in maintaining a soothing environment. If you think that your air duct is having some problems, this guide will provide you with DIY steps to follow to clean the air ducts yourself.
Let’s begin!
Air Ducts:
Air ducts are an essential pathway for indoor air circulation and help keep the space comfortable. We break down how you can have cleaner air, more efficient and fresher living space — from what makes it so important to effective DIY cleaning methods.
Buckle up to steer your journey for better indoor health! So, before you jump into cleaning the air ducts yourself, make sure to follow the process of collecting the required tools and taking precautions.
Tools You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment
- Brushes with bends handles
- Microfiber cloths or disposable filters
- Safety goggles & mask
How to Clean Air Ducts Step by Step?
Step 1: Switch off the HVAC system
To begin HVAC duct cleaning, start with switching off your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Doing so limits airflow while you clean, which helps keep any dust and debris that may have been dislodged from circulating through your house.
Step 2: Expose the Air Ducts
With a screwdriver, carefully remove the duct covers. It allows to penetrate the inside of ducts since they need access to reach areas that need cleaning. Gently place the covers to the side for later addition.
Step 3: Vacuum the Ducts
Connect an abnormally long hose to your vacuum cleaner, giving you the length needed to thoroughly vacuum inside of the ducts. Start vacuuming lightly, pausing, and gliding along the length of each duct. Instead, concentrate on the dust and dirt that has accumulated as well as any cobwebs that may have appeared.
Step 4: Scrub the Ducts
Use the brushes you have with flexible handles for this step. Gently scrub the internal walls of the duct. It helps remove any dirt, debris, or grime that may have stuck on there over the years.
Step 5: Clean Surfaces
You will need microfiber cloths for this step. Utilize them to thoroughly wipe the surfaces in the ducts you can reach. Make sure to get rid of any residual dirt, dust and particles that were loosened up during your vacuuming and scrubbing steps.
So, air duct cleaning is a worthy effort that can make a big difference to indoor air quality. This is how you take a very meaningful step towards a better life for your children and yourself. All the effort you put into keeping your ducts clean will surely pay off with fresher & cleaner air and a more cozy house.
DIY vs. Professional: The Cost Counters
While figuring the cost of DIY duct cleaning may appear low, hidden costs in the form of missed contaminants and incomplete cleaning can equal larger bills down the road in terms of either needing professional services anyway or more serious HVAC maintenance.
Professional duct cleaning is also an investment that pays off significantly in terms of better air quality, energy efficiency, and peace of mind as your home ventilation system gets the thorough cleaning it deserves and needs to function properly.