FAQ’s for Cleaning Your Own Air Ducts

A great number of homeowners appreciate the need for clean ducts to maintain a healthy indoor air quality. Home owners often assume that they need to call in a professional air duct cleaning service, but it is possible to complete this task yourself. Of course specialist air duct cleaning companies are equipped with some specialist equipment and expertise, but DIY enthusiasts can complete a partial clean which will reduce the need to call in professionals.

What Tools Will I Need?

It is impossible to complete almost any DIY task without tools and ventilation cleaning is no exception. To complete this task you will need a ladder, flashlight, a screwdriver- the type of which will depend on your vents, a wet or dry vacuum cleaner with soft bristle attachments and a long hose. You should also wear a face mask and rubber gloves to provide safety from any contaminants within your system.

How Do I know if My Ducts are contaminated?

Particles of dirt and debris often accumulate within the ducts. This provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Ensuring that you have your mask and gloves on, you need to check the ducts for any sign of contamination. Run a finger along the edge inside the duct, if there is dust or debris on your finger then your ducts are contaminated with dirt.

Is Home Air Duct Cleaning Easy?

This will depend on your DIY experience. You will need to remove your vent covers and use the vacuum cleaner to clean the ducts. This requires patience and a detailed eye, since you will need to clean any crevices and use the full length of your vacuum hose before moving on to the next vent. You will need to have a practiced hand to remove the vents carefully without causing damage to the vent cover or the surrounding paintwork. You should also be comfortable working on ladders, as it can be a time consuming task.

Before undertaking any maintenance or cleaning, you should consult the owner’s manual for your specific system for detailed cleaning instructions.