Dirty vents are a cause for concern. Not only do they lead to poor air circulation, but they also result in allergy triggers and increased utility bills. While it is highly recommended that you leave the cleaning task to experienced and skilled technicians who have the knowledge and equipment for thorough cleans, if you still want to learn how to clean HVAC ducts between your annual HVAC servicing, the following blog goes over everything from turning off the system to cleaning the vents to vacuuming the ducts to keep your indoor air fresh and healthy all year long.

DIY Duct Cleaning: From Dirty To Debris-Free

Does your house look dusty even though you just cleaned yesterday? Or is it a strange odor that you keep smelling? It looks like the air vents are getting dirty. While an annual clean by professionals is a non-negotiable, in the meantime, doing a bit of DIY cleaning isn’t a bad idea at all.

So, free up a weekend as we detail how to clean your dirty ducts on your own.

Step 1: Turn Off the HVAC System

The first thing you need to do is to switch off the heating and cooling system. After switching off the service switch, go to your electrical panel and flick the breaker responsible for your HVAC system. This step prevents accidents and dust circulation as you work.

Step 2: Tools & Safety Gear

Make sure to have everything you’ll need before you start the cleaning. This includes masks, gloves, and goggles to prevent coming into contact with dust. As for tools, make sure to have a shop vacuum, a long-handled brush, duct tape, and a microfiber cloth, among other items, for thorough cleaning.

Step 3: Remove Vent Covers

Now for the actual clean. Using a screwdriver, remove the vent covers. Use a damp microfiber towel or soak them in a soapy solution to soften and clean all the dust trapped within. This will take care of the debris trapped on the screen and frames before you move on to the actual vents.

Step 4: Seal Vent Openings

Having all the air vents fully open can reduce the suction ability of your vacuum. So, before you begin, take a few moments to seal all the vents you’re not working on with tape or a plastic sheet. This will also prevent the dust from swirling and possibly destroying your floors.

Step 5: Dislodge Loose Dust

Alright, now it’s time to address the dusty ducts. Using a long brush, rub the inside of the vents. This should loosen and remove all the bigger fluffs of dust that are closest to the vent openings. Get in as far as you can to clean the duct walls as much as possible.

Step 6: Vacuum Ducts

Now that you’ve loosened up as much dust as possible, it’s time to get to vacuuming. Grab a shop vac and insert the hose into the vent. Turn it on to suction all the dust and debris you can reach. Be especially thorough around the return boot and blower compartments for the best clean possible.

Step 7: Replace Air Filter

Ideally, the air filter should be changed every 3-6 months. Replace it with a new and clean air filter to ensure that any future pollen, dust, and dander is trapped within, and your indoor air is clean and healthy.

Step 8: Reassemble The System

Finally done! Now you just have to replace all the vent covers—ensuring that they’ve all dried. Remove all the tape and plastic sheets and then turn on the HVAC system. Run the fan for a while to test it before turning on the heater or air conditioner, and enjoy clean air.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning HVAC ducts should always be entrusted to experienced and skilled technicians for safety and efficiency. However, if you still want to perform small cleans yourself, you should start by turning off the system, followed by cleaning the vent covers and then dislodging any loose dirt. Vacuuming the vents will remove even more dirt before you replace the filter and turn on your heating and cooling system once again. We hope this blog helped you understand how to clean HVAC ducts. For further questions, please drop us a line.

FAQs

Can I be inside my house during professional vent cleaning?

As long as you don’t mind the noise and possible dust, you can definitely stay inside the house during the service. 

What can I use to clean my vent covers?

Depending on the material and debris type, you can use a dish soap and water or a vinegar and water solution.

How long does professional air duct cleaning take?

Depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your vents, it takes between 2-5 hours on average.