Do you want to keep your home's air clean and fresh? If so, you may be wondering if it is possible to clean your own 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 ensure your system is in the best condition. However, between professional maintenance visits, you can clean them yourself. It is important to note that in older homes, metal ducts may be wrapped in asbestos, and these ducts should not be cleaned as this could cause asbestos to disperse into the air and enter the house. If you regularly perform routine HVAC maintenance, install the appropriate filtration and purification system, and the ducts are properly sealed and show no signs of sagging or tearing, you may not need to clean the air ducts yourself.
Cleaning your air ducts at home can be safer for both your home and your budget compared to hiring professionals. Katie, a member of The Spruce's cleaning editorial board and author of several books on cleaning, suggests that these quick emails are the “secret ingredient” to making your house go from being tidy to being really clean, or to rediscovering your motivation to clean if you've lost it due to mess. We experienced new allergy, asthma and skin problems soon after moving, and a mold inspection found that the ducts had leaked during cleaning. If you are concerned about the cost of cleaning the air ducts (in fact, the prices are very reasonable), follow the steps and recommendations indicated below carefully and consistently. Then, adjust the thermostat however you want and enjoy the clean air in your home thanks to the duct cleaning you do yourself.
How To Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself
Cleaning your own air ducts is not as difficult as it may seem.Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Locate the supply duct: This is usually located in an attic or basement.
- Vacuum out any dust or debris: Use a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment to reach into the ducts and remove any dust or debris.
- Clean any accessible parts of the system: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down any accessible parts of the system.
- Check for any signs of damage: Look for any signs of damage such as sagging or tearing.
- Replace any damaged parts: If there are any damaged parts, replace them with new ones.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Own Air Ducts
Cleaning your own air ducts has many benefits. Here are some of them:- It can save you money: Cleaning your own air ducts can save you money compared to hiring professionals.
- It can improve air quality: Cleaning your own air ducts can help improve air quality in your home by removing dust and debris.
- It can reduce allergens: Removing dust and debris from your air ducts can help reduce allergens in your home.
