Do you need a professional to clean your air ducts? The answer is yes. At On Time Home Services, we recommend scheduling regular air duct cleaning services by a professional HVAC technician to keep your system in the best possible condition. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests that homeowners should clean their air ducts every 3 to 5 years. This is because the build-up of mold and other contaminants can cause an allergic reaction and endanger the health of your family.
When it comes to the ventilation grilles, you should clean them more often and also change the air filters, as recommended by the manufacturers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned, except when necessary, due to continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances. However, NADCA, the leading trade association for contractors who clean air ducts or air conditioning systems, states that its members must have at least one certified air system cleaning specialist (ASCS) on their staff and are responsible for cleaning and restoring the customer's HVAC system in accordance with the association's standards and guidelines. If you are concerned about the cost of cleaning air ducts (in fact, the prices are very reasonable), you can follow the steps and recommendations below carefully and consistently. As part of the duct cleaning process, service holes may have been opened in the ducts so that they can access vacuum tools or hoses, which may not be properly sealed after use.
You want good air quality for you and your family, so it seems to make sense to clean your home's ducts.
How to Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself
If you decide to clean your own air ducts, you should keep in mind that air ducts could be damaged if cleaning is not done properly and you could incur expensive repair costs. To start cleaning your air ducts yourself, you must locate the supply duct. You should also take photos before and after cleaning for comparison.Step 1: Prepare Your Home
Before starting to clean your air ducts, make sure that all furniture is moved away from the walls and all carpets are vacuumed. This will help reduce dust and debris during the cleaning process.Step 2: Locate Supply Duct
The supply duct is usually located in the basement or attic.It is important to locate it before starting to clean your air ducts.
Step 3: Vacuum Ducts
Once you have located the supply duct, use a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment to vacuum out any dust or debris from inside the ducts. Make sure to vacuum all sides of each duct.Step 4: Clean Vents
Once you have finished vacuuming out the dust and debris from inside the ducts, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down all of the vents. Make sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.Step 5: Change Air Filters
After you have finished vacuuming and wiping down all of the vents, it is important to change out any old or dirty air filters. This will help keep your home's air quality at its best.Conclusion
Cleaning your own air ducts can be a daunting task but it is possible if done correctly.Make sure to follow all of the steps outlined above carefully and consistently. If you are still unsure about how to clean your own air ducts, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician who can do it for you safely and efficiently.
