How To Clean AC Vents & Air Ducts (EASILY & SUCCESSFULLY)

AC vents and air ducts ensure that your HVAC system performs efficiently. However, they get dirty after some time and need a thorough cleaning.

So, what to do when your AC is just not operating that well? First, you give it a deep and thorough cleaning!

Understanding the AC vent cleaning process will allow you to do it yourself or find someone who can do it well. Consequently, you will enjoy energy savings and longer service cycles.

Why Are Clean AC Vents & Ducts So Important?

Dirt and dust accumulate in AC vents and ducts over time. They can often affect the airflow and reduce the HVAC system’s efficiency.

Consequently, you get a poorly running HVAC that uses maximum power. With that said, here are some of the benefits of a clean AC duct.

Clean Air at Home

You get clean air at home, and that’s the most important thing! Air contains different contaminants that slowly accumulate in AC ducts and vents.

It’s similar to having dirty furniture and bedding with use. They all need cleaning, and your AC vents are no different.

Clean AC ducts are just as important as a clean sleeping place. They ensure that contaminants are not entering your lungs and you are staying away from airborne bacteria.

Therefore, we suggest you clean the AC and enjoy the pristine air at your home.

Fewer Chances of Allergies

Dirty AC vents and ducts can cause allergies. The symptoms appear when allergens stuck on dust particles accumulate and are recirculated in the air.

Hence, clean your AC ducts, and you find that your allergy symptoms will reduce considerably. But, unfortunately, some people have asthma, and it causes breathing problems.

And asthma can get triggered by allergies, mites, and molds. Hence, a clean AC duct will protect you from suffering from severe breathing issues.

No Unpleasant Odors

If your duct has developed mold, you will have some nasty odors. However, clean ducts and vents will not face any residue or fungal decay, ensuring that you don’t get to experience those toxic gases.

Instead, you will have a clean and nice-smelling home. But, remember, you cannot get rid of odors coming from your HVAC without cleaning.

The dirty source will keep producing enough to make air fresheners pointless. The intelligent choice is to periodically clean your AC vents and ducts and ensure they throw odorless air.

Maximum Airflow

What are ACs for? To provide a comfortable airflow in all weather conditions! That includes bringing in the fresh air and spreading it to all parts of the house.

Dusty air vents cannot offer this functionality. It’s too clogged to provide smooth passage to the conditioned air.

Learn how to clean AC ducts and enjoy maximum airflow. It improves ventilation and also ensures that minor debris isn’t stuck in the vanes anymore.

Of course, you will also enjoy clean air, giving you a fresh perspective at home.

Increase in HVAC’s Lifespan

Central AC units are expensive, and you don’t want them to become faulty in a couple of years. Clean AC vents and air ducts reduce the likelihood of the central HVAC system developing faults.

When the system is not taxed and running efficiently, you enjoy a measurable increase in HVAC’s life span.

You want to get the best performance out of your AC unit. It is only going to be possible with one that has optimally working vents and air ducts.

When the unit doesn’t have to expend energy moving through ducts full of dirt, you get quicker HVAC response and fewer breakdowns.

How To Clean Your Central Air Conditioner’s Vents & Ducts (Detailed Guide)

What You’ll Need

You can clean your central AC’s vents and ducts with some essential equipment. Just make sure that you have these things before you start cleaning those dirty airways:

• Screwdriver(s): You need it to remove the screws that hold your vents in place
• Scrubber: You need a scrubber to remove those hard to move dirt deposits
• Gloves: Protect your gloves by wearing a pair of plumber’s gloves
• Soap: Some stubborn deposits will only go away with the soap’s help
• Vacuum Cleaner: You’ll need that power to suck out dirt and dust stuck in the ducts
• Bucket: It will hold the soap water that you will use to clean the vents and air ducts
• Air filter (optional): You will need to replace it if it’s impossible to clean

The Cleaning Process (Step-By-Step)

This cleaning process works perfectly for your central AC’s vents and air ducts. It is also excellent for those hard-to-reach ceiling vents too. Here is how you will start:

1. Turn of your central AC unit. You will usually find this option at the thermostat
2. Remove all the air vents and duct covers present in your house. Use the screwdriver to open them
3. Take the vacuum cleaner out and blast away all the dust near the vents
4. Use a dust scrubber to remove as much dust as possible from all the accessible vane and duct areas. You can use the vacuum again to do this.
5. Prepare soap water in a bucket.
6. Soak your vanes and ducts in this water and let them sit for ten to fifteen minutes.
7. Clean the vanes and covers thoroughly using a towel and place them back on.
8. Clean the air filter or replace it if necessary.
9. You can now turn the central AC back on.

By following these steps, you now have clean AC vents and air ducts without external help! In addition, you won’t have to worry about clean AC ducts for at least a month.

However, if you find yourself overwhelmed at any stage, contacting a reputable HVAC service provider is the right option.

How To Prevent Contamination Of AC Vents And Ducts (Maintenance Guide)

Preventing your AC vents and ducts from contamination will keep you from going through this entire process.

Hence, here are some excellent strategies to reduce contaminants in your central AC ducts:

Regular Vacuuming

You can reduce the dust buildup in your house by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. It can remove around 99.7% of airborne particles of 0.3 microns.

Just make sure you clean your house every few days.

Sealed Ducts

AC vent cleaning will only give optimal performance when you seal the ducts. No air should make it inside the system from the outside.

Using good insulation is necessary to keep the AC vents and air ducts isolated from the external environment.

Better Air Filter

Sometimes, the location of your AC would mean that you cannot avoid dust. However, you can switch to better air filters if you find them clogged every few weeks.

Additionally, you can also change the filter every few weeks. It will save your system from developing dust deposits in air ducts.

Avoid Moisture

Avoid any moisture buildup near your AC vents and air ducts. It allows dirt and other microscopic particles a medium to stay, building sludge inside your vents.

You won’t have to clean your HVAC when you keep it nice and dry.

How Often Should You Clean Your AC Vents & Ducts?

Some experts believe that you should clean your AC vents and air ducts every three to five years. However, it would be best not to wait until its performance deteriorates and your energy bills go off the charts.

An excellent practice is to schedule an annual inspection to check if everything is alright.

Still, not all systems operate under the same conditions. For instance, if you live in an area where dust buildup is unavoidable, you need to clean your AC vents and ducts twice a year.

Doing so will protect your central AC and ensure that you can always rely on getting fresh, conditioned air in your home.

People Also Ask (FAQ)

How much does it cost for a HVAC professional to clean AC vents?

The AC vent cleaning cost depends on the number of vents and the required duration. Considering these factors, the average AC air duct and vent cleaning can cost around $360. On the other hand, a deep cleaning service may cost $100 more than that.

Is it better to clean air ducts myself or get professional help?

You can clean air ducts if they don’t have difficult-to-remove clogs. It works for small systems with only a few vents. However, getting professional help for a large or clogged AC system will be the right choice in most cases.

What happens when you don’t clean your AC’s air ducts?

The moisture in your air ducts will promote the growth of mold. It would block the air ducts and stop the ventilation after a few months. You will then have a broken central AC system that would only produce foul odors.

Does air duct cleaning mess up your house?

If you hire an HVAC service professional, they won’t mess up your home at all. They will clean all the air vents and vacuum the entire ducts, ensuring that dust doesn’t set on your home’s floor or furniture. And finally, they will leave your premises sparkling clean.

Conclusion

Keeping your AC vents and air ducts clean increases your HVAC’s energy efficiency and improves its performance.

You can do this yourself if it’s a small system with only a few vents. However, you should hire a professional to enjoy the best AC duct cleaning service.