How to Clean HVAC Ducts

Were you aware that as many as 1,000 mold species call the United States home? Or that these microorganisms can grow inside your abode?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts, in turn, can give molds a place to grow. That’s likely if you have high indoor humidity levels and poor ventilation.

So if you notice molds growing on HVAC vents, you might want to clean your ducts ASAP.

If you’re not sure how to clean HVAC ducts, don’t worry, as we’re here to help. Check out our HVAC duct cleaning guide below for tips.

Power off the HVAC System

Before you clean HVAC ducts, shut off the power to the system first. Your safety is on the line, as HVAC systems have capacitors that store electrical charges. Touching these with bare or sweaty hands can lead to electrical injuries.

Note that as many as 30,000 non-fatal shock incidents occur in the U.S. every year. Some even lead to severe burns that require emergency aid or hospitalization.

So, for your safety, turn off your system first and wait for at least an hour before you begin HVAC duct cleaning.

Wear Personal Protection

A face mask, a pair of gloves, and goggles are must-haves when cleaning HVAC ducts. They help minimize exposure to inhalable airborne pollutants. They also shield your eyes and face from injury-causing debris.

Move or Cover Furniture

Move furniture as far as possible from the vents you’re about to clean. Alternatively, you can cover the heavier ones with a plastic sheet. That helps prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from messing up your furnishings.

Remove and Clean Vent Covers

Unscrew vent covers with an appropriate screwdriver. Once out, you can soak them in a large basin filled with warm, soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush or cleaning rag to remove dust and grime build-up.

Give the vent covers a final rinse with plain warm water and then set aside to let them dry.

Inspect the Ducts

Shine a flashlight onto the inside of your HVAC duct openings. That can help determine if the ducts have extensive mold and debris build-up. You might even be able to discover damages, such as cracks, holes, or missing insulation.

Call a professional HVAC contractor if you see massive moldy patches or thick layers of dust. Likewise, schedule HVAC repairs if you discover any duct or insulation damage.

Vacuum the Ducts

If you only see minimal mold growths or dust, you can begin vacuuming the ducts. Use the machine’s nozzle and brush attachments to suck away the pollutants.

You can also spray a mixture of 50:50 vinegar and water on areas with molds. The ascetic acid in vinegar may be able to kill them.

However, ensure you can reach those areas to dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Better yet, use a wet vac to extract the excess moisture.

Finish Up

Place the dry vent covers back once you’ve removed as much debris in the ducts as possible. Make sure you screw them back tightly to prevent them from falling or sliding out of place.

After that, you can turn your HVAC system back on.

That’s How to Clean HVAC Ducts

Remember: The typical cost range of professional HVAC duct cleaning is between $450 and $1,000. But now that you know how to clean HVAC ducts yourself, you can pocket and save that cash instead.

So, why not start ridding your air ducts of visible mold and contaminants today? The sooner you do, the sooner you can boost your home’s indoor air quality.

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