Ready to start cleaning your air ducts?
Here’s the top 5 dirty air duct indicators:
1. Open one of your vent covers and look inside. See if it contains any dirt, debris, or matted dust.
2. Examine the return air registers for dust buildup, particularly if there are thick, fuzzy coatings of dust.
3. Pull out the air filter. If the air filter is clogged with dust, then airflow is being choked off.
4. Open the furnace compartment. Examine the blower fan and motor for signs of dust as well as the furnace controls. The more dust you see, the bigger the problem you have.
5. Look at the air conditioning coil. (You may need to remove a panel.) If the coil is dusty or has dust clinging to the housing walls, then the air filter hasn’t been working properly.
Next up, how to clean your ducts yourself!
1. Turn off the power connected to the heating and air conditioning system. Unscrew the air duct covers or grilles from the walls. Use your brush to clean the grates thoroughly.
2. Vacuum the ducts as much as possible. If you want the ducts to be cleaned more thoroughly, consider hiring a professional to do the job.
3. Clean the grilles in your ceiling. If you can’t reach them with the vacuum or screwdriver, use a broom to attack the dust.
Ah the good stuff! Five benefits of cleaning your air ducts:
1. By removing the dust from within, you’ll make your home a cleaner place to live.
2. Cleaning your air ducts regularly ensures you’ll always have a clean air supply to breathe in.
3. A periodic air duct cleaning helps keep the family members in your home healthier instead or circulating potential problems over and over again.
4. A detailed cleaning of the air ducts can help remove odor that is trapped in dust particles, giving you a fresher smelling home.
5.A cleaner system is designed to operate as efficiently as possible, giving you a system that operates at peak efficiency and provides cost-effective performance year round.
Now, how often will you have to do this?
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends getting your air ducts cleaned every three to five years.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning air ducts when: you suspect mold exists in the air ducts, or you notice a vermin infestation somewhere in the home, or you see insects or rodents entering or exiting ductwork, or you see a visible “poof” of dust released from the supply registers when air is exiting the vents.
American Comfort Experts, signing off!
Resources:
https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/home-improvement/sign-your-ducts-need-cleaning
https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-air-vents-in-your-house.htm
https://www.todayshomeowner.com/hvac-duct-cleaning-scam-or-worth-it/
https://www.rsandrews.com/blog/5-benefits-cleaning-air-ducts/
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-often-should-you-clean-your-air-ducts.htm
