Air duct cleaning is necessary and important for maintaining a healthy and hygienic space. But do you know what goes into tending to these ducts? There are a few different methods for getting rid of the dust and dirt that collect in HVAC systems, and we are breaking down how it all works.
Use this air duct cleaning guide to learn more about the cleaning process and whether or not you can perform air duct cleaning on your own.
Table of Contents
- Types of Duct Cleaning
- How Does Duct Cleaning Work?
- Best Duct Cleaning Techniques
- Is Duct Cleaning a Waste of Money?
- Can You Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself?
- How Quality Air Ducts Make Maintenance Easier
Types of Duct Cleaning
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) shares the proper duct cleaning methods and includes general information about what is involved in the process.
Over the years, these methods have evolved. The following are three common types of duct cleaning methods, and each varies according to the level of cleaning you hope to achieve:
- Power vacuuming: This method is ideal for tough jobs requiring dust and dirt removal. Power vacuuming uses negative pressure to suck up debris and deep clean the system by removing as many of the present contaminants as possible.
- Point of contact: As a less aggressive duct cleaning method, point of contact cleaning involves using a brush and vacuum to brush contaminants from the surfaces of the air duct system and remove them before they enter the air.
- Mechanical agitation and extraction: The most common air duct cleaning method is removing the source. After utilizing mechanical agitation to loosen contaminants, a vacuum extracts them.
The best method will depend on how dirty your air duct system is and your budget.
How Does Duct Cleaning Work?
When looking to clean an air duct, there are a few simple steps that can effectively remove the contaminants that build up over time in the system, including:
- Dirt.
- Building debris.
- Dust.
- Pollen.
- Mold.
- Pet dander.
- Organic allergens.
Best Duct Cleaning Techniques
The typical AC duct cleaning process consists of these four main steps:
Step 1: Pre-Inspection
The first step in the process is pre-inspection. You should check out all of your duct system’s access points and look inside. This will help you determine your system’s best cleaning method and condition. Once you complete this check, you can begin the cleaning process.
Step 2: Agitate the Dust and Debris
The next step involves agitation. It is important to break any contaminants loose to remove them in the following step easily. Agents are designed to shake and stir dust and debris in the HVAC system. They break up contaminants along the surface of the air duct system, making them easier to remove later. Agitation devices and methods include:
- Brushes.
- Air whips.
- Compressed air.
- Contact vacuuming.
Step 3: Create Negative Pressure
To collect the loose contaminants, you must create a continuous negative pressure to prevent dirt and dust from spreading throughout the air duct system.
Continuous negative pressure allows the collection of even the finest particles as they break loose from the system’s surfaces. This step is incredibly important because agitation could cause dirt and debris particles to enter the living space’s air. The negative pressure creates a vacuum that helps collect the contaminants and remove them from the air duct entirely.
Step 4: Final Inspection
After you’ve agitated the contaminants and removed them using the negative pressure vacuum, it is time to check out the system to see if it is adequately cleaned. After the system passes the final inspection, you can get it up and running again.
Is Duct Cleaning a Waste of Money?
Absolutely not — duct cleaning is an essential part of long-term maintenance, especially in environments prone to dust, debris or mold buildup.
That said, ducts that are built to fit correctly, with tight connections and smooth interiors, will remain more hygienic in the long term. That means fewer cleanings, fewer service calls and better system efficiency.
Can You Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself?
Yes! But it is not that simple. There are a few instances when it is best to turn to a professional when cleaning your HVAC system ducts. If you have a complex system or your air ducts require a deep clean, DIY air duct cleaning can be ineffective. DIY air duct cleaning is more suitable for small cleaning jobs than regular scheduled professional HVAC cleaning services.
If you or your clients want to tackle minor upkeep, here’s a quick guide for how to clean air ducts yourself:
- Turn off the HVAC system: Before getting started, ensure your HVAC system is off so it does not push air through the ducts during cleaning.
- Remove vent covers: Using a screwdriver, remove each vent cover.
- Protect the openings: Cover exposed vents securely so loosened particles don’t escape into the space while you clean.
- Break up buildup: Gently brush the inside surfaces of the ducts to dislodge debris and dust.
- Vacuum: Run a vacuum through the ducts to collect the loose material. A brush attachment can stir up and remove particles at the same time. For any leftover dust on surfaces, wipe with a clean rag or paper towel.
- Swap out the filter: Once the ducts are clear, you may want to replace the air filter to help keep indoor air cleaner.
- Reinstall vent covers: Clean and reattach covers, or use new ones if you’re upgrading.
How Quality Air Ducts Make Maintenance Easier
Hennemuth Metal Fabricators helps contractors and project managers get ahead of dirty ductwork problems. Our rectangular and spiral ducts are fabricated in-house for a precise fit. Because our duct products go together seamlessly in the field, installers can deliver systems with fewer leaks and less dust infiltration from day one.
Unlike many competitors, we fabricate our spiral duct in-house and maintain an extensive in-stock inventory. That means HVAC contractors around Pittsburgh don’t have to wait weeks for the materials they need. We also deliver within a 200-mile radius, offering convenience that many suppliers can’t match.
By starting with better ductwork, contractors provide their clients with systems that stay cleaner and run more efficiently, cutting down on costly maintenance.
Request a Quote for HVAC Ductwork Supplies Today
For more than 40 years, our team has partnered with HVAC installers on both residential and commercial projects. Contractors trust us because of our high-quality ductwork supplies, fast lead times and accessible customer service.
Whether you’re estimating a commercial blueprint or planning a residential install, our products save you time in the field and reduce callbacks tied to poor duct performance.
Are you interested in learning more about Hennemuth Metal Fabricators? Explore our duct services or request a quote from us today!