It’s that time of year again! The temperatures are dropping, and it’s time to turn on the furnace. But before you do, make sure you clean your furnace ducts! Dirty ducts can lead to poor airflow and decreased efficiency in your furnace. In this blog post, we will teach you how to clean your furnace ducts the right way so that you can enjoy optimal airflow and performance from your heating system!
Prepare Your Equipment and Materials
You’ll need a few particular tools to clean all of the components in your air ducts correctly.
- Vacuum: A powerful vacuum is necessary to remove all dirt, dust, and debris from your ducts. Make sure you have a vacuum with attachments that can reach all of the nooks and crannies in your ductwork!
- Bristle Brush: You will need it to scrub the inside of your ducts and loosen up any stubborn dirt.
- Duct Cleaning Solution: You’ll need a cleaning solution to disinfect your ducts and remove any lingering odours. A vinegar and water solution will work fine, or you can purchase a commercially available cleaner from your local hardware store.
- Screwdriver: You may use it to remove any access panels in your ductwork to reach all areas needing cleaning.
- Paper Towels: You’ll need these to wipe up any spills during the cleaning process.
- Air Filter: Be sure to have a new air filter on hand to install after you finish cleaning your ducts!
Start by Removing Any Access Panels
If your furnace has any access panels, use your screwdriver to remove them to reach all of the areas you need to clean. Once you remove the panels, take a look inside your ductwork and familiarize yourself with the layout.
Clean Your Vent Covers
If your vent cover is exceptionally dirty, wipe the surface with your vacuum’s dust attachment before removing it. In a sink of warm, soapy water, wash the vent cover. Scrub as required, but be careful not to scratch the surface. If the vent covers are metal, toss them on the top rack of your washer for a brief run to save time. Rinse well and dry before reinstalling.
Use Your Vacuum to Remove Loose Debris
With the access panels removed, take your vacuum with the appropriate attachment and suck up as much of the loose debris inside the ductwork. Be sure to move slowly, so you don’t miss anything!
Scrub Away Stubborn Dirt
Once you’ve vacuumed up as much of the loose debris as possible, it’s time to break out the bristle brush and scrub away any stubborn dirt clinging to the sides of your ductwork.
Don’t forget to clean any registers, grilles, or diffusers! These are often overlooked but can harbour a lot of dirt and dust.
Apply Your Cleaning Solution
Now that your ductwork is free of debris, it’s time to disinfect and deodorize! Mix up your cleaning solution according to the instructions on the bottle (or use a vinegar and water solution), and apply it liberally to all surfaces of your ductwork. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Rinse Away the Cleaner
Once the cleaner has had a chance to work its magic, it’s time to rinse it away. Use your vacuum’s water attachment to suck up any residual cleaner and rinse away any lingering dirt. If you don’t have a water attachment, you can use a damp cloth to wipe away the cleaner.
Be sure to dry any damp surfaces before moving on!
Replace Your Air Filter
Now that your ductwork is clean and sparkling, it’s time to install a new air filter. It will help ensure that all the dirt and debris you just removed doesn’t end up right back in your ducts!
Put Everything Back in Place
Once you’ve replaced your air filter, it’s time to put everything back in place. Reinstall any access panels and vent covers you removed during the cleaning process. Make sure all screws are tight so dust can’t get in. Turn on Your Furnace and Enjoy Cleaner Airflow!
Conclusion
Cleaning your furnace ducts is an essential part of maintaining your HVAC system. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your ductwork is clean and free of debris, allowing for optimal airflow throughout your home!
Now that you know how to clean furnace ducts the right way put these tips into practice and enjoy cleaner, healthier air in your home!
