If you’re having indoor air quality issues, you may think about calling an HVAC professional. This is a good move in many cases. Numerous professional solutions will clean and sanitize your ductwork. But cleaning ducts doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some relatively simple tips for duct cleaning in Houston homes.
Is It Wise to Clean Your Ductwork Yourself?
The average homeowner isn’t trained to service their ductwork. However, there isn’t a big learning curve. You don’t need high-tech equipment either. You can clean your ducts with a vacuum (a stronger one than your average household vacuum, which you can rent). A dryer vent brush, screwdriver, paper towels, and a microfiber cloth will be needed as well.
How to Perform Duct Cleaning
Protect Your Safety:
Turn off the thermostat and the breaker so the system isn’t running while you’re trying to clean the air ducts. Also, have eye protection handy so dust or debris won’t cause irritation. If any climbing will be necessary, have a sturdy ladder and ask someone to help.
Remove the Vent Covers:
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws for the wall registers and remove each cover. Floor registers can usually be lifted out. Place each register on a level surface and be careful not to spread dust around.
Clean the Vent Covers:
To clean each cover, place it in the sink and scrub it with a brush and warm, soapy water. Don’t scrub too hard, as you risk damaging the finish. Unvarnished metal vent covers are even easier to clean. You can simply put them in the dishwasher and run a cycle.
If you have plastic vent covers, you can whiten them by washing them in warm, soapy water. Place them in a container (a baking sheet will do), and coat them in hydrogen peroxide. Set the covers down in the sun and wash them again a couple of hours later. Then allow the covers to dry.
Loosen the Dust in the Ductwork:
Use the handle of a cleaning brush or mop to knock on exposed ducts. Just lightly tap the duct. This will loosen up any dust and make it easier to clean.
Clean the Supply Registers:
With the vent covers still off, reach into each supply register with a vacuum hose as far as it will go. Next, reach in manually with a damp microfiber cloth. Rinse the cloth as it gets dusty and repeat the process until no more gunk comes out of the register duct.
Clean the Air Return:
Vacuum and brush as far back into the register cavity as possible. Don’t try to reach too far; you’ll risk damaging equipment or injuring yourself. At this stage, remove the old filter and install a clean one. Or, you can put the vent covers back on and run the system for 30 minutes to loosen any remaining dust. Then change the air filter to remove any dust that remains.
Don’t Forget the Rest of Your HVAC System
Duct cleaning in your Houston home won’t help much if you don’t clean the rest of your HVAC system. To clean the blower compartment of your furnace, remove the cover and change the filter. Remove dirt from the compartment with a vacuum and hose attachment, a cleaning brush, and a damp paper towel. You only need water, but a multipurpose cleaner can be used. Clean the return air boot and furnace fan as well.
To clean the AC condenser unit, you’ll need a wet/dry vacuum with a soft-bristled attachment. Make sure to remove all dirt, leaves, and other debris. Make sure vegetation isn’t encroaching on the unit and remove plants/shrubs that are too close. Check for bent fins as well; to avoid damage, use a fin comb to straighten them. Then spray the fins with a garden hose at moderate pressure. Also, remove the top cover and clean out any debris inside the unit and wipe interior surfaces clean.
Reinstall any components you removed and turn the electricity and AC or furnace back on.
Contact Village Plumbing for Duct Cleaning in Houston
You can clean your ducts if you want to. But at Village Plumbing, our technicians have the training, equipment, and tools to thoroughly evaluate and clean your ductwork. We use advanced compressed air tools and vacuum systems to ensure your ducts are free of debris and buildup. Professional service can improve the condition and function of your ducts and help your HVAC system run more efficiently. To schedule duct cleaning in Houston, call 713-526-1491 today.