You don t have to clean the main air ducts but you can do it if cleaning out as much dust as possible is your goal.
Can you clean your ducts yourself.
Sure hvac filters accumulate dust but usually not to a detrimental degree.
When it comes to the nitty gritty cleaning air ducts is not a do it yourself job.
Companies that perform duct cleaning often.
If you d like to take a stab at cleaning your own air ducts here are some of the tools you will need.
Even if you were inclined to do it chances are good that you wouldn t own the right tools such as special rotary brushes and a high powered vacuum.
The best diy project for your hvac system involves the good old vacuum cleaner.
Remove the hose and turn off your vacuum cleaner.
That s why many people believe it s not actually necessary to clean them.
The first step to cleaning your air ducts and vents is to cover the supply registers using paper towels or microfiber cloths.
First check to see if you have rectangular duct work.
Again if you have flex ducts be gentle doing this and focus your cleaning on the floor of the vent.
Your ducts are going to undergo a thorough cleaning and it is only logical that you prevent the dust from going to other areas around the home.
Tools you need to clean your air ducts.
Although duct cleaning operations may insist duct cleaning is essential for your health the evidence does not support their claims.
Start by covering up your supply air registers openings that supply heated air to the rooms with paper towels.
And depending on your lifestyle some people need to clean their ducts more often than others particularly if you do a lot of cooking at home or if you smoke or live with someone who does.
In addition an improper cleaning job could damage the ducts resulting in expensive repairs.
According to the environmental protection agency epa duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems.
Attach the flexible hose attachment to your vacuum cleaner.
Of course if you grow comfortable with cleaning your ducts yourself then you can do them every year or so knock yourself out.
Insert it into the duct and turn on your machine to clean up the debris you ve dislodged.
Unless you want to do a lot of dusting and sweeping right after you clean your ducts you will find these useful to cover some registers while you clean others.