Why Do You Need To Know How Long It Takes To Clean Your Air Ducts

If you intend to clean your air ducts yourself or even hire a professional, you must be aware of how long the task will take. You’re in the correct place, I suppose.

Your air duct system will need to be properly cleaned, which will take three to five hours. The supply side, blower compartment, return side, blower wheel, and return drop are all included in that time span. Additionally, the size of your HVAC system will affect how long it takes to clean your air ducts.

We’re aware that you’d like more information about cleaning your air ducts. So, we advise you to read this entire post. Some of the other inquiries you may have may also be addressed by us.

How Long Does It Take To Clean An Air Duct?

A thorough professional cleaning of an HVAC system will take three to five hours. However, how big your HVAC system is will determine that. A professional cleaning service will need about three hours to clean small residences. On the other hand, cleaning the air ducts in larger homes, such as those that are three thousand square feet, can take up to five hours.

Additionally, keep in mind that some cleaning tasks will always take longer than this time frame.

How To Clean Air Ducts At Home

Naturally, not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on hiring a professional to clean their air duct system. In that case, it would be ideal for you to use this procedure to thoroughly clean your air ducts.

Assemble All Of Your Tools

You need to get ready for the following in order to fully clean your air duct components:

1. Brush – You can use any brush for this one, such as a paintbrush or toilet brush.
2. Vacuum – You can easily access distant or constrained locations in your air ducts with the aid of a vacuum. Additionally, a vacuum with a hose and nozzle would be ideal.
3. Air Purifier – An air filter is a crucial equipment that you should have ready. You must change your air filter with a fresh one after you’ve finished cleaning the air ducts.
4. Screwdriver – To remove each of the vents encircling your air duct, you will want a screwdriver.
5. Toilet paper – You can use these to mop up escaping dust and shield other supply registers while cleaning.

Cleaning Your Air Ducts

1. Remove and clean the vent covers.
   Detach the vent covers from your ducts using your screwdriver. Afterward, wash them under running water or put them in the dishwasher. After you’re done, leave them alone to air dry.
2. All vent openings should be covered with paper towels.
   A handful of your paper towels should be used to fill in all the supply register openings. While you take care of the other HVAC system parts, those paper towels will prevent dust from blowing out of the apertures and landing on your walls and floor. The covers can be removed for cleaning, however you should replace them after each cleaning.
3. Take the dust off.
   To remove the dust from the walls of the ducting, tap the handle of your brush on its sides.
4. Clean up all debris and dust.
   Grab your vacuum and start sucking up all the dust in your ducts using the brush and nozzle attachments on your vacuum hose. After cleaning, if you still see any dust on the walls, wipe them off with paper towels. For every opening, repeat this procedure.
5. Put a new air filter in place of your old one.
   After clearing the dust from the air duct, replace your old air filter with a new one to further improve the quality of the air inside your home.
6. The vent covers again
   Finally, you must put the vent covers back together in their proper positions.

To keep your indoor air clean and of high quality, repeat this cleaning procedure as often as necessary.

Indoor Air Quality Definition

The air within can occasionally be less wholesome than the air outside. Less air is moving through your home, which causes impurities to build up. They collect on many surfaces, such as rugs, walls, carpets, furniture, and air ducts. Particularly if you have asthma or allergies, we advise cleaning your home and air ducts.

In addition, there are a few additional ways you may raise the indoor air quality in addition to cleaning. You can add some plants and air out the house.

How Much Does It Cost To Clean An Air Duct?

The size of your HVAC system will affect how much it will cost to clean your air ducts. HomeAdvisor, however, states that the typical range is between $269 and $489.

The cost of cleaning will vary according on:

• How many returns your air duct can accommodate
• The quantity of materials
• Where the HVAC or furnace is located
• The distance between air ducts
• Having said that, size is crucial. How many registers or dampers are there?

How Frequently Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

Cleaning your air ducts every three to five years is strongly advised. But if frequent duct cleaning is required because of a lot of pet hair or a home renovation, then do it. Additionally, cleaning the air ducts is essential if you intend to move to a new house.

Why Cleaning Your Air Duct Is Important

1. Keep the indoor air quality high
   Your family breathes the same air that passes through your air ducts. Additionally, you should inspect your air ducts because they may contain allergies like pet dander and pollen. Through supply registers, those items can return to your living space.
2. Helps with energy efficiency
   Expect that there won’t be any dust or other material obstructing the airflow from the parts of your HVAC system if your air ducts are clean. However, your furnace or air conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy if your air ducts are clogged.

Your units will function at their best if your air ducts are kept clear of dust and debris.

3. Safeguards Your Heating and Cooling Equipment
   If your ventilation system is dirty, it could damage your blower wheels, clog your air conditioner’s coils, and result in other issues that would require expensive repairs. Your HVAC system will last longer if your air ducts are kept clean.

Do Chemicals Need To Be Used To Clean Air Ducts?

There are no chemicals used in the cleaning of air ducts. All you require for air duct cleaning are brushes, vacuums, and other specialized tools. Only if rats, other living species, or dead organisms are present in the HVAC system and ductwork can chemicals be used for air duct cleaning.

Can I Remain Inside My Home While The Air Ducts Are Being Cleaned?

Yes, if you choose to stay inside. However, be aware that the cleaning procedure can produce some noise disturbances, and we advise avoiding your HVAC systems and some rooms in your house.

How Can I Tell If The Air Ducts Have Been Thoroughly Cleaned?

Ask the expert to demonstrate and explain what they performed specifically and the parts they cleaned if you want to make sure your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned. You can also scan any supply and return registers in your home if you need to. All you have to do to check the insides is remove the vent covers and use a flashlight. The ducts are clean once you can tell that they are clear of dust and debris.

Conclusion

Although cleaning the air ducts may appear difficult and complicated, with the right equipment and advice, you can do the task correctly and within the allotted time. However, you may always choose to seek the assistance of an HVAC specialist if you don’t want to handle the cleaning and have the necessary funds.