Neglecting to clean your air ducts can cause severe problems. Unclean air ducts are a health hazard; they cultivate germs, bacteria, and viruses. Also, dirt buildup in your air ducts circulates harmful particles that can damage your clothing, furniture, and electrical appliances. Fortunately, there are 6 easy steps you can take to clean your air ducts.
1) Getting the Essential Tools
You will need a bucket filled with warm water and dish detergent, a spray bottle filled with vinegar, and mold removal spray (for the grimiest spots). You will also need rags, a vacuum cleaner with a long extension, and a flashlight.
2) Locating the Air Ducts in Your House
Locating the ducts is not as simple as it sounds. Some ducts are located high on the walls, the base of the walls, on the floor, and other unusual places. Remove everything out from under the ducts in order to avoid getting dirt and dust on these things.
3) Taking the Cover off the Ducts
Remove the cover off the duct as you clean it. Do not remove all of the covers off the ducts all at once. If you forget to clean a duct, a duct could spew toxins into the air for weeks before you recognize your error. As soon as you finish cleaning, put the cover back on the duct. To remove cover for high vents, you will need a stable ladder or step stool.
4) Vacuuming the Ducts
Begin using a long extension on the vacuum cleaner, vacuum any large dust bunnies or cobwebs that are in the air duct. When vacuuming the high vents, have someone support the ladder or step stool you are standing on.
5) Wiping Down the Vents with Your Solutions.
Using your rags, wipe down the inside of the vent with warm water and the detergent solution you made. If that does not work, spray the inside of the vent with the vinegar and then wipe. If that does not work, as a last resort, use the mold removal spray. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions of the mold removal spray; many of these sprays contain toxic chemicals. After wiping up the mold removal spray, use paper towels to clean up and allow it to dry.
6) Cover the Vent
Before moving onto the next vent, make sure you reattach the cover to the vent. Only then, are you done with that vent!
At Nelson’s Heating and Cooling, part of the service we provide for our customers is educating customers on how they can maintain their heating and AC systems on their own and save money. For more helpful tips, feel free to contact us by clicking here.
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