Most homeowners have a set list of yearly house cleaning tasks. However, many do not take cleaning their air vents into consideration. Is this because they do not know how to clean air ducts in the house?
This blog will tell you how to clean your air ducts. If you prefer to have them cleaned professionally, we recommend having both the air vent and commercial dryer vent cleaning.
How to Clean Air Ducts in House
Materials Needed:
- Gloves, safety glasses, and face mask
- Vacuum cleaner
- Power Drill/Screwdriver
- Brush
- Clean cloth and towels
- Paper towels
- Replacement furnace filter
Step 1: Remove screws from return air grill plates and covers to air ducts using a screwdriver or power drill. (Make sure not to misplace the screws)
Step 2: Cover air supply vents
Use paper towels to cover whichever vents you are not currently cleaning. This prevents excess dirt and debris from the vents from entering your home.
Step 3: Switch the thermostat to “fan on.”
Putting the fan on “fan-only” will help loosen up any debris while cleaning ducts in your home. Take care to ensure that both the cool and heat modes are off.
Step 4: Use the brush handle to loosen the debris trapped in the ducts
Any debris trapped in the vents needs to be loosened for you to clean them vents properly. Use the brush handle to gnarly tap the ductwork, thus loosening the dirt. This way, you will be able to vacuum it up later easily.
Step 5: Use the vacuum hose to clean the supply registers
Using the hose on your vacuum cleaner, lift the register to remove any loose debris within reach. Next, use a damp cloth to clean the interior of the ductwork.
Step 6: Repeat this process on the return register
Use the same process to clean the return registers. Clean as far as you can reach without straining or hurting yourself.
Step 7: Turn off the fan
Turn off the fan and the power to the furnace at the thermostat. Ensure it is off at the breaker panel or service switch for your safety.
Step 8: Clean the return air boot and blower compartment
Ensure the power is off, and remove the front panels from the furnace to access the return air boot and the blower compartment. Using the vacuum, sweep up any debris in these two areas, as this area accumulates the most build-up. Don’t forget to clean the furnace fan in the process.
Step 9: Replace the old furnace filter with a new, clean filter
Perhaps the most important step of air duct cleaning is replacing the filter. A new filter will help prolong the life of your HVAC system, as well as help promote clean air throughout your home.
Signs It Is Time For Air Duct Cleaning
Here are some ways to tell that your vents need to be cleaned.
- A sudden spike in energy bills
- The appearance of bugs and/or rodents
- The moldy smell coming from your air vents
- Added dust build-up in your home
- If anyone in your home smokes or suffers from health issues such as asthma or allergies
- If you have pets
- If you recently had any new construction work done on your home
Need more advice on how to clean air ducts in the house? Or do you prefer to have them cleaned professionally? Give Dryer Vent Cleaning Today a call for a free quote on the best duct cleaning in Toronto.