How to Clean an Air Conditioning Duct
Allergy and asthma symptoms become aggravated by dust in the air. Keeping the air conditioning ducts free of dirt and dust are essential to feeling better during the heat of summer. Most ducts are composed of a slick aluminum material. They are designed to avoid particle buildup, but there are still problem areas around vents and filters. These need cleaned on a regular basis. Smoking and pet shedding can worsen the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wet/Dry vacuum Bleach Liquid antibacterial soap Bucket Gloves Sponges Acid cleaner like 5 Star Spray bottle Screwdrivers Small wire brush Protective eyewear
Instructions
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Shut off air conditioning unit. It needs to be in the off position any time you are working on the AC or ducts. This can be done by the thermostat control or the breaker box.
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Use a spray bottle to apply a mild acid cleaner to the air conditioner coil. Scrub away the dirt and dust with a small wire brush. A corroded coil is where the dust and dirt begin and get sent through the duct system. Keeping the coil clean will help the unit function properly and assist the ducts in staying sparkling. Use gloves and eye protection during this step. Be sure to rinse coil liberally with water to neutralize acid.
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3
Remove vent covers throughout house. It may require the use of a screwdriver, but it should be a simple removal process. Soak vents in warm bleach water for a few minutes. This will loosen any stuck dirt or dust.
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Reach as far into the ducts as possible from the vent openings with the hose of a wet/dry vacuum. The flexibility of the hose will allow you to suck up most of the buildup in the ducts. As air blows through the ducts, over time there tends to be a buildup of dirt, hair and dust closest to vent openings.
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Wet a sponge with warm, soapy water and scrub all areas you can reach through the vent opening. This will help get up any stuck dust or pet hair and dander. Floor-vent areas can be very dirty, so you may want to let them soak for a few minutes.
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Add a tablespoon of liquid antibacterial soap to the already soaking vent covers and scrub with a sponge. Rinse, dry and reattach to their respective vents.
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Replace the old air conditioner filter with a new one. It's an inexpensive way to help keep your ducts clean all year long. Replace cover and turn air conditioning unit back on.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep an extra air conditioner filter on hand. Use a dust mask if you are dust sensitive.
Wear eye protection when using the acid cleaner as it is very caustic. Always turn off air conditioning unit before removing the filter and cleaning coil.
References
- Photo Credit All images courtesy of Photobucket photo pool.
