An AC duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality and protect your HVAC system from dust, dirt, and debris. But is it safe to DIY? Your ductwork is complex, and cleaning it requires equipment and solutions that only a professional is trained to use.
Also, the situation may be more complicated than you think. While air filters capture dirt, contaminants can get into ductwork from many sources. Pollutants from outside your home can enter through duct leaks. Contaminants inside a house, released by cleaning products, cooking, or walking around, can also settle and blow through ducts. This is a serious problem; dirty air can be continuously re-circulated while your AC is running.
Cleaning ductwork yourself may seem like a way to save money. However, it can end up costing you more. Here are a few reasons why DIY AC duct cleaning is not a good idea:
Your Ducts May Contain Hazardous Materials
The HVAC ductwork in your home may contain hazards you don’t know about. These are some contaminants that may be present you wouldn’t want to come into contact with:
- Mold: Mold can grow on the interior surfaces of ducts, especially if your HVAC system isn’t removing enough moisture. Only the proper cleaning methods can completely remove it; professionals also use products that prevent mold from coming back. Even if you could reach all the mold in the system, it may be hard to clean and release toxins that can cause illness.
- Vermin: Rodents, insects, and other unwanted guests can get in through spaces and holes in the ductwork. Ducts provide a dark, sheltered place for them to hide, feed, and nest. From there, they can access almost any other part of your home. Vermin can produce dander and droppings that make the air unhealthy to breathe. Direct contact with critters can also present significant safety hazards, which is another reason to hire an AC duct cleaning professional.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): The VOCs released by household cleaning products, wood furniture, carpets, paints, building materials, and other sources can concentrate in your air ducts. Direct and prolonged exposure to VOCs can trigger headaches, nausea, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and more serious health problems.
At the very least, reaching deep inside AC ducts can expose you to dander, pollen, and other allergens that have built up in the system. These can pose problems if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or a respiratory illness.
AC Duct Cleaning Requires Professional Tools
An AC duct cleaning cannot be done properly with tools from the average hardware store. It requires specialized equipment. Professional vacuum cleaners with powerful motors and long, flexible hoses can collect dirt and debris from deep inside air ducts. They can reach around corners and into tight spaces. Powerful air compressors help loosen stubborn dirt and grime on surfaces and blow them out of the system.
Other duct cleaning tools include high-speed rotary brushes. These help remove mold and other contaminants from surfaces in remote parts of ductwork. An air whip, or long, flexible rod with a brush or nozzle attached, can also clean tight spaces, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas. Air whips are generally used to clean square ducts. Professionals may also use high-pressure air cleaning systems.
A Mistake Can Damage Your HVAC System
Duct cleaning can be beneficial if you have dirty ductwork. But if done improperly, it can cause damage. A professional knows how to avoid this. For example, they may dilute a chemical cleaner before use. If not, it can cause serious damage and risk your health and safety. They can also properly set up and clean a vacuum machine, so it doesn’t cause problems throughout your duct system.
Cleaning your air ducts too aggressively can cause leaks or sections of ductwork to separate. At the very least, it can spread dust, dirt, and other pollutants. Using too much force or setting a vacuum at too high a pressure can also cause damage that requires a costly duct repair or replacement. Flexible ducts are especially fragile, so they shouldn’t be cleaned with a vacuum.
A trained contractor can determine the types of ducts you have and the best methods to safely clean them.
A Professional Can Seal Your Ductwork
Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape. Much of the cooled air your AC produces can leak outside, forcing the unit to work harder and use more energy to maintain the set temperature. A leak can also let in outside air, which further strains the system.
When you hire a professional contractor for AC duct cleaning, they can check for holes, gaps, and poor connections. They also perform duct sealing to ensure your ductwork stays clean and your HVAC system runs efficiently. Non-invasive sealing techniques can often be used to minimize disruption and save time.
What Steps Can I Take to Keep My AC Ducts Clean?
We don’t recommend attempting to clean HVAC ducts yourself. However, there are ways to prevent or slow down the accumulation of dirt. The following tasks can help keep your ducts clean for longer:
- Change Filters: Replace the air filter at least every three months or more frequently if your home is dusty or you have pets.
- Reduce Dust Levels: Vacuum, sweep, and dust your home often. This can prevent dust from entering return vents and ductwork. A microfiber duster should be used for hard surfaces.
- Keep Supply Vents Open: Open all air vents while your AC is running. Closed vents can cause airflow issues, allowing dust to collect in certain areas.
- Use an Indoor Air Cleaner or Purifier: An air cleaner/purifier can reduce the amount of airborne dust and contribute to overall improved indoor air quality.
- Reduce Humidity: To avoid indoor air quality issues associated with high humidity, install a dehumidifier, use a bathroom vent fan when showering, or run a kitchen exhaust fan when cooking.
If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of air ducts, and don’t have immediate access to a professional service, your options are limited. Air duct cleaning steps you can DIY include the following:
- Clean Covers and Vents: Start by unscrewing and removing an air duct cover or grill. To avoid contamination, cover the exposed vent with paper towels. You can wipe the cover with a microfiber cloth or a damp paper towel until it’s clean. It can also be placed in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. Then wipe the cover with a cloth, rinse it with cool water, and let it dry before reinstalling it.
- Clean the Ducts You Can Reach: Using a microfiber cloth or fine-bristled brush, reach as far into the duct as possible to remove nearby buildup. Continue until the interior surfaces appear clean. If you decide to use a vacuum hose, reach as far as it will go but don’t be too forceful. You can use a broom instead, but be sure to wear a dust mask and goggles.
When Should I Hire an AC Duct Cleaning Professional?
A professional AC duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality and avoid costly repairs. A contractor’s process can improve airflow so your HVAC system is less strained. This saves on energy costs. While cleaning your ductwork, a technician can also inspect other components to determine whether to make small repairs or improvements, which further protect your AC system.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends duct cleanings every three to five years. However, you should schedule a duct cleaning if:
- Mold growth occurs around vents or inside ducts
- Sealants and tapes around visible ductwork start to deteriorate
- Signs of pest infestations or damage are present
- Your home was recently remodeled or renovated
- Routine HVAC maintenance has been skipped for some time
- Members of your household have increased allergies
- Musty and other foul odors spread around your home
- Airflow has become inconsistent
- Your home is becoming dustier
- Energy costs keep increasing
Call Trilogy AC for Ductwork Services
Trilogy AC is a trusted ductwork installation company in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and nearby areas. Our NATE-certified technicians install air ducts based on your unique requirements and ensure optimal airflow and energy efficiency. The professional ductwork services we provide can also help improve indoor air quality, increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, and reduce noise. To schedule service or a system assessment, schedule HVAC service online or call (832) 662-0866.
