How To Clean Hvac Ducts

In the United States, 66% of homes use central air to condition their air.

For most people, this is a combination system with central heating and air. This is the most common HVAC system in any newer or remodeled home. If you have a central HVAC system, you may have wondered how to clean HVAC ducts.

Let’s take a look at how you can get your HVAC ducts clean.

Vent Covers

Start with the vent covers. They will become covered with dust particles in no time. To get all the dirt and grime off the vents, they should be lifted out of their place.

This will allow you to scrub them clean of any debris or particulate that clings to them. If the grime clings on, you may have to use a cleaning solution. You can also soak the vents to help aid in the cleaning process.

Make sure to cover the holes left behind. You can use paper towels or plastic for this task. This prevents dirt and dust from flying out and into your home.

The Ducts

Once the covers are removed and cleaned, you can begin cleaning the HVAC ducts. Begin by tapping the sides of the ducts to free any clinging debris. This will loosen the dust and make it easier to remove.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush and nozzle attachment. Reach as far as you can into the ducts. Any dirt or debris that clings to the walls of the ducts can be removed with a paper towel.

Doing this will not get the entire duct clean. You can only clean as long as your tools will reach. Professional HVAC services use pressurized air to clean the ducts, but you shouldn’t attempt this as it could damage them.

The Air Filter

Once you clean the HVAC ducts, you will need to replace the air filter. The air filter is often held in a slot on the central unit inside your home. Some have a filter on the intake area, but this is less common.

Replace Covers

Now that the cleaning is done replace the vent covers to their positions. They should slide into position without any resistance. Make sure that they are seated and not loose.

If you soaked the vent covers, ensure they are dry before you put them back into place. This will prevent moisture from entering the HVAC duct and creating a larger, harder-to-clean mess.

Professional Cleaning

Knowing how to clean HVAC ducts is important, but it won’t get your system free of all dirt and dust. The only way to get the long segments of ducts clean is to have a professional service. Trained HVAC technicians can accomplish this for you.

Now that you know how to clean HVAC ducts, you can see the problems that come with it. If you want the best quality air possible, make sure to speak to an HVAC technician. If you live in the Franklin, TN, area, we’d be happy to help you.

To set up your appointment, contact us.