What is more unpleasant than smelling a constant musty odor in your home? Well, dirty air ducts can be the reason for it. Though you might think it’s not that important to care about, dirty air ducts can make a house unlivable and trigger serious health hazards. This is why every homeowner should know how to clean air ducts and ensure a healthy living environment for their family.
Many homeowners in Canada keep their air purifiers running all day long to get rid of the nasty odor in their homes. But it’s not an optimal solution. The electricity bill will cost you way more than the money put on a professional air duct cleaning service. This will also keep your HVAC system last longer.
Ignorance about air duct cleaning can make you unknowingly breathe dangerous dirt particles, severely affecting your health over time. Air duct cleaning is extremely important to maintain indoor air quality, which can make a huge difference in your health and ability to focus.
In this blog, we will discuss why should you clean your air ducts, how often to clean air ducts, and also how to clean air ducts yourself with essential tools or why you’d either choose a professional air duct cleaning service. Let’s explore!
Why Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
Clean air ducts mean you are inhaling air with fewer pollutants and allergens, leading you to better health. The air you are inhaling for your whole life, you want that to be clean, don’t you? Cleaning your air ducts can significantly improve your indoor air quality. It’s a must if you have newbies or anyone with respiratory issues in your family.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Cleaning your air ducts will help you to save the energy your HVAC system uses to push itself, and you can save your money from getting wasted on utility bills.
Another benefit of clean air ducts is they will enhance your HVAC system’s longevity. Dirty air ducts depreciate the system’s efficiency and functionality. The ductwork frequently becomes blocked by dust, mold, and pet furs. Air duct cleaning gets rid of these obstructions and restores the functionality of your air vents.
If you are still not convinced, check out our blog on the Top 5 benefits of cleaning your air ducts regularly.
How Often To Clean Air Ducts?
According to Directenergy.ca, you should clean air ducts at least in every 2-3 years to keep your HVAC system healthy and to prevent unnecessary maintenance and health problems before they start. But we recommend you clean your ducts when you notice excessive dirt on your ducts and consult a professional air duct cleaning service in the aforementioned timeframe.
What Tools Do You Need To Clean Air Ducts?
You will need some essential tools, to clean your air ducts effectively. Here’s the listing:
- Vacuum: First thing you need is a vacuum. Attach a hose and nozzle to your vacuum to reach further into your HVAC system and clean thoroughly.
- Brush: You will need a brush you clean the surfaces and vents. You can use a large paintbrush or a toilet brush.
- Screwdriver: You will require a screwdriver to remove your HVAC system’s cover vents and reattach them.
- Paper Towels: Dust may stick tightly to the surfaces of your system. You can use paper towels to wipe them down and cover the supply registers.
- Air Filter: If your HVAC is old enough, you may see your air filter is worn out. Replacing it with a new one can be a great add-on to your HVAC system.
Steps To Clean Air Ducts
Wondering “how to clean air ducts yourself?” Don’t stress! We will provide steps to clean air duct DIY by which you can easily clean your air ducts-
Turn off Power
Turn off the power to your HVAC system unit. Keep in mind that turning off the thermostat does not turn the device off; instead, you must turn off the power at the breaker box or the furnace’s power switch.
Clean The Cover Vents
Open the vent cover of your HVAC system to check inside. Look for dirt, dust, or anything unusual you don’t want in there. Be careful to be exhaustive. To clean up the ducts, use a vacuum. The vents may be cleaned by putting them in the dishwasher or by giving them a quick hand rinse.
Check The Return Registers
These are the openings that supply heated air to all rooms of the house. They keep trapped dust from being released into the rooms. Lift the registers, wrap them in a paper towel, and then replace them.
Remove The Filter
Verify that the filter is firmly installed. Remove the air filter and look it over. It’s time to replace your air filter if it’s dusty and filthy.
Check The Furnace
By opening the furnace compartment, check the blower fan, motor, and furnace controls for dust.
Check The Air Conditioning Coil
Take a look at the cooling coil. Your air filter isn’t operating if there is dust on it or the housing walls.
Clean the Blower Compartment
Remove the furnace’s front panels and vacuum out all the dust in the blower compartment. This is where most of the dust will be. Then, return the air boot. Clean the furnace fan as well to make sure it’s no longer clogged with dirt.
Clean Ceiling Vents
Clean the ceiling vents to complete the task. To remove the dust, use a broom or a vacuum.
Why Hire A Professional?
The best way to clean air ducts is to consult a professional air duct cleaning service. Though you can try to clean air ducts DIY, we would recommend an expert to get more effective results.
Your HVAC system has a number of sensitive parts that need only to be accessed and serviced by trained professionals. Using expert knowledge and experience may be necessary to safely clean dust-covered fan motors, fan housings, heat exchangers, and cooling coils. A small mistake can malfunction your HVAC system can cause you massive financial loss.
In addition to dust, your air ducts may also be home to bugs and microbiological diseases. The use of chemical agents like insecticides and biocides calls for specialized knowledge.
Unexpected risks might have been created by bugs contaminating or harming your HVAC system. So, play smart and let a professional handle the air duct cleaning while keeping yourself stress-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining clean air ducts is vital for a healthy and comfortable living environment. Dirty air ducts cause unpleasant odors and pose significant health risks.
Neglecting air duct cleaning can lead to inhaling dangerous particles, which can cause respiratory issues. Therefore, you must understand how to keep their air ducts clean for the well-being of your family.
Clean air ducts offer several benefits, starting with improved indoor air quality. Removing pollutants and allergens from circulating air creates a healthier environment. Additionally, clean air ducts contribute to energy efficiency by allowing HVAC systems to operate optimally, saving money on utility bills.
While a DIY air duct cleaning guide is available, hiring a professional air duct cleaning service is the best way to clean air ducts. Trained experts possess the knowledge and experience to handle sensitive components, preventing accidental damage. Professionals can also address germ issues that may have infiltrated the air ducts. They will ensure hygiene by using the necessary chemical components. Entrusting the task to professionals guarantees thorough cleaning and peace of mind.
So, whether opting for DIY air duct cleaning or professional services, prioritizing air duct cleanliness is a small yet significant step toward creating a pleasant and safe living environment.
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