DIY Duct Vents Cleaning With a Vacuum Cleaner Hose
Most modern homes, apartments and offices are equipped with a central heating and air conditioning system that circulates hot or cold air through the house or building. Under optimum conditions, a central air or heating system operates in an airtight environment, meaning your home or office is sealed tight. As a result, fresh air does not enter and dust, pollutants and allergens can build up in the air ducts. Cleaning your air ducts on a regular basis can help prevent the buildup of unwanted pollutants in your home. Hiring a professional is always an option; however, cleaning your air ducts can be done with a simple home vacuum cleaner without having to pay a professional. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Screwdriver -- Philips and Flathead
- Rag
- Scrub brush
- Vacuum with hose attachment
Instructions
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1
Locate all the registers and return air ducts in your home or building. Register placement and return air duct placement will vary widely as they may be in the floors, walls or ceilings.
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2
Put on plastic gloves and clear the area around each vent before you remove the cover to prevent anything from falling into the vent.
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3
Remove the first duct cover or plate by unscrewing the screws holding it in place. Set it aside.
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4
Clean the area that you can easily reach with a rag or scrub brush. Gently rub or scrub as far into the vent as you can comfortably reach. Any dirt or dust that you are able to loosen can then be sucked out by the vacuum.
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Push or drop the vacuum cleaner hose into the duct and turn on the vacuum. Move the hose around to get as much out of the duct as you can.
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Clean the cover with a warm soapy water as well and dry it well before you put it back in place. Screw the cover back on and repeat the same process with each additional vent or register until the entire system has been cleaned.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if possible.
Check in your garage for a vent as well. Some systems are set up to heat and cool the garage as well
You will not be able to clean the entire system with a vacuum cleaner as the hose will not reach through the entire system. Only a professional service can clean the entire system.
