Air ducts are an important part of your HVAC system and without proper maintenance, they can become a source of allergens and pollutants in your indoor air.
It is recommended that you get your air ducts deep cleaned every 2-3 years. However, if you have pets in the house or children and elderly with allergies, you might want to lower the cleaning frequency to once a year.
Because professional air duct cleaning seemingly costs a lot, homeowners want to go for a DIY job. Also, the tools that can be used for cleaning the ductwork are readily available in most homes.
Also, many homeowners believe that booking an appointment with the air duct cleaning company is a hassle.
Is Professional Duct Cleaning a Waste of Money?
While many homeowners believe that professional duct cleaning is a waste, the truth is quite far from it. Experts suggest that professional duct cleaning at least once a year or once in every two years is worthwhile.
Here are the reasons why professional air duct cleaning is very useful:
Tools
Although air duct cleaning tools for a DIY job include things like a vacuum cleaner, a cleaning brush, screwdrivers, and air filters, a DIY cleaning cannot be as thorough as professional cleaning.
These experts have the air duct cleaning tools that can reach deep in the ductwork, where simple cleaning brushes, even with extension rods cannot reach.
Identify Potential Issues
Since air duct cleaning companies are trained, they can help identify issues like leakages and blockages. These leakages might be adding to your electricity bills. Therefore, identifying them actually saves you money, even if you’re investing in money hiring professionals.
Detection and Removal of Mold
A professional air duct cleaning service will not only get rid of the dust and debris but can also detect and remove mold and mildew which is the leading cause of a declined indoor air quality.
While professional cleaning is a must every year or two, cleaning the air ducts yourself is also quite beneficial. Doing DIY duct cleaning can help your system run smoothly in between the deep cleaning done by the professionals.
Air Duct Cleaning Tools for a DIY Job
DIY cleaning air ducts is a simple process. You probably have all the tools you need already in your garage. It might take several hours depending on the size of your ducting and the number of air vents in your house.
These are the air duct cleaning tools that you need for a DIY job:
Screwdriver
Screwdrivers of multiple sizes are a must have before you begin the process. You will have to unscrew the vent grates for inserting your cleaning brush and vacuum cleaner wand.
Make sure that you number the vent grates before you clean them with water and soap, so you can install them in the correct place afterwards.
Paper Towels and Painter’s Tape
You need paper towels, and a lot of it for the job. Secure thick paper towels with tape on vent openings to prevent the loosened dust and debris from entering the rooms during the process. You must remove the covering one by one to clean up the ductwork.
Cleaning Brush
Using a cleaning brush, you can brush on the walls of the duct work on each vent opening one by one. You can also use an extension to reach further inside the ductwork. Make sure that you are gentle as cleaning with the brush harshly can cause damage to the ductwork, causing leaks.
Vacuum Cleaner
Using a vacuum cleaner, you can suck in all the loosened dust and debris. You can also add an extension wand to the vacuum to reach further inside.
You can also invest in a brush head on your vacuum cleaner to brush the walls and vacuum the walls of the ductwork at the same time.
Air Filters
Once you’ve cleaned up all the vents in your house, you will need fresh air filters. Take out the old filters in the air return and throw it away.
Use the cleaning brush, vacuum, and paper towels to clean it. Replace the filters with new ones.
Final Words
Once you’ve cleaned the air duct, you can turn on the HVAC system to enjoy the freshly cleaned ductwork and indoor air.
However, make sure you call professional services like 4seasonsairduct if you’re in the Baltimore, Maryland area. The thorough cleaning process will allow you to save up on costs like electricity bills if there’s a leak and get the ductwork cleaned in those hard-to-reach places.