how do you make your own duct cleaning

Steps to Clean Your Home’s Air Ducts and Vents

1. Gather Your Equipment and Materials. You need a manual dryer vent brush plus warm soapy water, cleaning cloths, and a vacuum cleaner with a dust brush attachment to ...
2. Remove and Clean Your Vent Covers. Floor registers are easy to remove. ...
3. Clean Inside Your Duct. Insert the vent brush into the duct as far as you can. ...
4. Wipe the Rest. ...
5. Finish Up. ...

Full Answer

What is duct cleaning and should you have it done?

Duct cleaning isn't necessarily a bad idea, but the fact is that it's not necessary in most cases. When properly performed, duct cleaning can be useful in limited situations, such as if the ducts are filthy or infested with mice or other vermin. If you see evidence of significant visible mold growth in the ducts or on the mechanical components of the HVAC system that come in contact with air ...

Does duct cleaning really save you money and how?

Duct cleaning services can be immensely beneficial for numerous purposes. Air duct cleaning commercial can help protect your family from allergy problems, while also extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. More importantly, a vent cleaning service will actually save you money in the long run.

Is duct cleaning really worth doing?

With that being said, duct cleaning is well worth it in the long run. It’ll protect your family, protect your HVAC system and allow you to keep more money in your wallet. There are many tools that are needed for the cleaning . In most cases, consumers are not going to have access to these tools.

How to tell if your home needs a duct cleaning?

• Open one of your vent covers and look inside. See if it contains any dirt, debris, or matted dust.
• Examine the return air registers for dust buildup, particularly if there are thick, fuzzy coatings of dust.
• Pull out the air filter. ...
• Open the furnace compartment. ...
• Look at the air conditioning coil. ...

Can I clean my ductwork myself?

When it comes to the nitty gritty, cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires tools, such as a high-powered vacuum and rotary brushes, that you don't have lying around in the garage. In addition, an improper cleaning job could damage the ducts, resulting in expensive repairs.

What chemicals are used to clean air ducts?

Different types of duct cleaning biocides include:A mild bacteriostat and fungistat that removes mold, mildew or bacteria odors. ... The second solution is stronger, has low toxicity and is completely odorless after it is dry. ... The third solution is one of the strongest air conditioning duct cleaning chemicals.

Can you clean AC vents with shop vac?

A “Shop Vac” works best. A stiff-bristle brush with a long handle. A rotary dryer vent-cleaning brush or toilet brush are good choices.

How do you clear a clogged air duct?

Unclog an Air Duct Yourself In some cases, addressing a clog inside your air duct will be relatively simple. Start by using a screwdriver to remove the vent cover. Then, use a flashlight to look inside the duct. If the blockage is near the vent cover, you may be able to see it and remove it.

Why does my house get so dusty?

Both low humidity and high humidity play a role in why your house is so dusty. When the air is dry, your air can be extra dusty. But when it's too high, it can feed mites and promote mold growth. If your air is dry, run a humidifier so that you can reach a comfortable level.

Can dirty air ducts make you sick?

In homes with dirty air ducts, occupants may experience symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of allergies, including coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. Mold, dust and other contaminants lurking in your ducts could also cause sore throat, headaches and even dizziness.

Is air duct cleaning a waste of money?

The truth is that there is no evidence that having your ducts professionally cleaned would make your air any cleaner than it is now. In fact, the EPA did a study to determine the results of air duct cleaning. Here is what they concluded: "Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems.

How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?

If you see dust and dirt both inside and outside — especially by the vents that blow cool air out — your ducts most likely need to be cleaned. To prevent future dust buildup, make sure you replace your HVAC system air filters frequently. You can also run an air purifier.

Does cleaning air ducts really make a difference?

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning.

How do I know if my AC ducts are clogged?

The biggest symptom of clogged air ducts in your home is a difference in temperatures. This is most likely to occur if you set your whole-home thermostat to the desired temperature and then notice that one room isn't as warm or cool as the others.

How do you know if you have a clogged duct?

Symptoms of a clogged milk ducta lump in one area of your breast.engorgement around the lump.pain or swelling near the lump.discomfort that subsides after feeding/pumping.pain during letdown.milk plug/blister (bleb) at the opening of your nipple.movement of the lump over time.

How often should you clean air ducts?

every 3 to 5 yearsJust like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended to 6 to 8 years.

Is air Duct Cleaning Toxic?

Chemical Off Gassing Even a nearly odorless material can cause significant problems when re-circulated through air ducts in a closed environment. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

Is air Duct Cleaning harmful?

Based on that report and other independent research, the EPA's official advisory on duct cleaning concludes: “Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g. dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.

What attachment to use to reach further inside ducts?

Vacuum – Make sure it has a hose and nozzle attachment to reach further inside your ducts.

What do you use to wipe down a register?

Paper Towels – You will use these to wipe down escaping dust and cover other supply registers while you clean.

How much does it cost to clean air ducts?

Having a professional clean your air ducts will cost anywhere between $400 to $1,000 dollars. Professionals use heavy-duty vacuums and equipment that can get deep into your duct system. It is possible to DIY air duct cleaning, but having a professional clean your ducts in the following cases is recommended:

Why do you need to clean air ducts?

Regular cleaning of the air ducts in your home can eliminate or reduce dust and foul odors. There are certain times it is especially beneficial to clean your heating and air conditioning duct system. For example, if you purchase a home where the previous owners had animals, cleaning the air ducts before you move in can help rid the house ...

How to get a fan to kick on?

Use your thermostat to get your fan going by clicking 'fan on'. If you don't have this option, just use the heat to get the fan to kick on. Use the rag to clean all the registers and grates. Put the brush in the register and loosen all the dirt and grime.

Why is air duct cleaning important?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made this statement about air duct cleaning: "You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty ...

Can you clean ducts yourself?

If your ducts are dirty, cleaning them seems like the best option. However, you don't have to fork out hundreds of dollars for a professional if you're maintaining your ducts well and checking them regularly. Instead, you can grab your vacuum and screwdriver and do it yourself.

How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?

The EPA does recommend cleaning ducts on certain occasions: if and when there is substantial visible mold growth inside the components of your heating and cooling system, if and when the ducts are infested with rodents or insects, and if and when the ducts are so debris-filled that an enormous amount of dust is actually making its way into your home through them.

What to do if you hear mold in your ducts?

If there's visible mold or mildew on the ducts, or if you hear noises coming from within them, you should probably contact a professional. But if you're just acting on a hunch, we suggest you begin by examining the vents, grilles, drip pans, and/or registers of your unit. Do you notice any discoloration or dark dust? Do you smell anything unusual?

How much does it cost to remove mold from an HVAC system?

According to a set of estimates from HomeAdvisor.com, professional HVAC mold removal will run you anywhere from $600 to $2,000 —and that might be on top of the standard HVAC cleaning fees, which could be anywhere from $100 to $1,000. That's because mold removal often involves special equipment, chemicals, and of course, extra time on the part of the professional.

Is it bad to clean air ducts?

What's more, cleaning your air ducts the "wrong way" can make things worse, not better. You might end up dislodging debris and bringing allergens into your home that weren't previously a problem. Inexperienced individuals could also end up permanently damaging their HVAC systems, or worse, hurting themselves. Where mold is involved, the cleanup process becomes more than just a liability for your home; it potentially becomes downright dangerous for you.

Do HVAC filters accumulate dust?

Yes and no. Sure, HVAC filters accumulate dust, but usually not to a detrimental degree. That's why many people believe it's not actually necessary to clean them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), duct cleaning "has never been shown to actually prevent health problems.

Is it dangerous to clean mold from ducts?

Where mold is involved, the cleanup process becomes more than just a liability for your home; it potentially becomes downright dangerous for you . Here's what to know, and how to determine if you should clean the ducts.

Is cleaning air ducts worth it?

If you determine or suspect that there is mold growth, a rodent or insect infestation, or dust making its way into your home through your air ducts, or if you're worried about consistent airflow room to room, it could be worth it to hire a professional to clean your ducts.

What is duct cleaning?

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing ( See diagram ).

How to find a duct cleaning company?

To find companies that provide duct cleaning services, check your Yellow Pages under "duct cleaning" or contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) at the address and phone number in the information section located at the end of this guidance. Do not assume that all duct cleaning service providers are equally knowledgeable and responsible. Talk to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When the service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would justify having your ducts cleaned.

Why do you need to clean air ducts?

Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold), and prevent future biological growth. Some duct cleaning service providers may propose to introduce ozone to kill biological contaminants.

How to prevent dirt from entering ducts?

To prevent dirt from entering the system: Use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your heating and cooling system. Change filters regularly.

How to check the cleanliness of a heating and cooling system?

A thorough visual inspection is the best way to verify the cleanliness of your heating and cooling system. Some service providers use remote photography to document conditions inside ducts. All portions of the system should be visibly clean; you should not be able to detect any debris with the naked eye. Show the Post-Cleaning Consumer Checklist to the service provider before the work begins. After completing the job, ask the service provider to show you each component of your system to verify that the job was performed satisfactorily.

How to get rid of dust in your home?

Remove dust and vacuum your home regularly. (Use a high efficiency vacuum (HEPA) cleaner or the highest efficiency filter bags your vacuum cleaner can take. Vacuuming can increase the amount of dust in the air during and after vacuuming as well as in your ducts).

Does cleaning air ducts help?

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusi vely demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to health.