How To Clean An Aprilaire 80 Canister

Dan has been in the HVAC industry for 23 years with feel ranging from installation and service to sales and distribution.

Cleaning your ducts will cut down on grit in your home for a long time to come.

Cre8tor

Reduce Dust in Your Home and Salve Money Doing It

In that location are many reasons to clean the air ducts in your dwelling house. When ducts are clean, the heating system lasts longer (because there is less dirt wearing out its components), we dust less oftentimes, and the air we breathe at dwelling is cleaner. For those of united states of america with allergies, this should exist a welcome improvement.

Probably, you don't own a high-powered, truck-mounted vacuum system with 150 human foot-hoses, and perhaps you can't beget the cost of such a service, merely I am going to tell you how you lot can make clean air ducts yourself. Sure, you won't be able to accomplish every nook and cranny, but you can still eliminate roughly 85% of the dust in your organisation without spending any more than the cost of your new furnace filter.

There are many different designs of duct systems, such as attic systems and surreptitious systems, merely the theory of cleaning these systems is the same. You may not be able to access all parts of these systems (for example, underground ducts), but you can brand a difference in your air quality past cleaning the parts of the system that you can reach.

Earlier nosotros become started, check out this video of what one of those loftier-powered, truck-mounted vacuum systems looks like at piece of work on a pretty neglected duct organisation.

Video of Professional Duct Cleaning from Within the Ducts

What Yous Demand to Make clean Your Air Ducts

1. Furnace Filter: You will definitely demand a new furnace filter at the end of the job. Brand sure yous cull the right filter option for y'all.
2. Vacuum: A household-blazon vacuum with a decent hose attached will work, only a heavier-duty "Store Vac" unit of measurement is better, if available.
3. Castor: Something closely resembling a toilet brush will work best, but a stiff-bristle paintbrush or something like volition do.
4. Screwdriver or Hex Driver: Your registers are likely held in place by some kind of fasteners. You lot volition need to use any tool fits the fasteners, ordinarily a Phillips screwdriver or 1/iv" hex driver.
5. Newspaper Towels: Unless you want to practise a lot of dusting and sweeping right after you clean your ducts, yous volition find these useful to cover some registers while y'all make clean others.

Pace-by-Footstep Duct Cleaning

1. Cover supply registers. Get-go past covering upward your supply air registers (openings that supply heated air to the rooms) with paper towels. Y'all do this to keep dislodged dust from drifting into the rooms as you lot work. Just lift the register, wrap the paper towel over the top of it, and supervene upon it.

Roofing the register helps keep the grit down.

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2. Turn on fan. You want the fan running while you are cleaning, to motion the grit along that yous are going to loosen with your banging and brushing. Fix the thermostat to "fan on," and close off the "heat/cool" mode then that only the fan is running. If you don't have a fan-only option, you tin run the heat, or y'all might take this opportunity to install a newer thermostat with this helpful choice.

3. Check filter. Brand sure your quondam furnace filter is in place, so that the dust y'all knock loose doesn't end upwardly getting pulled into the fan motor.

4. Loosen dust in ducts. Knock loose any buildup of dust in the duct work. But take the handle of your brush and begin tapping on any attainable duct work yous have in the basement. This will help break up any deposits of dampened dust that may have stuck to the insides of the duct.

5. Clean supply registers. Now yous can commencement sweeping out the dust in your supply registers. With the vacuum running and the end of the hose near the register, elevator the register. Use the hose to catch any dust that is being pushed out by the fan, and go along to sweep as far into the register'south piping as your hose tin reach. Apply your brush to scuff loose any built up grit in the register. As you go through the house sweeping out the supply registers, you tin can remove and dispose of the paper towels you've put in identify.

The registers in the floor should elevator out easily.

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vi. Clean return air registers. Sweep out your render air registers. These will likely exist attached with a spiral and require your tool to remove them. Again, brush and sweep as far back into the register pipage or cavity equally you lot can.

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Read More From Dengarden

Return air registers are commonly mounted to the wall. They get together more dust and dirt than supply registers.

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7. Shut off fan and furnace. Shut the fan off at the thermostat and the power off to the furnace via the service switch or breaker console. Do not only close off the thermostat, because that doesn't turn off the power to the unit.

8. Make clean out blower compartment and return air kick. With the ability off, you tin can remove the panels on the front of the furnace and admission the blower compartment and the return air kick. Utilise your vacuum to sweep up the dust congenital upwardly in the blower compartment and render air boot. This is where the great majority of your grit volition be. Since you're in here, you should make clean the furnace fan besides. Have a wait at the detailed article (with pictures) I wrote, How to Clean a Furnace Fan for a guide on doing this.

9. Replace furnace filter. Buying a better filter will definitely cut downwards on the dust in your home. Just the better the filter, the more often you should change it; a dirty filter restricts the airflow to the fan, which results in the blower motor running hotter and reducing its lifespan. How often you should alter your filter depends on your home, your pets, and your location.

My Furnace Filter Recommendation: Filtrete MPR 1000s

I'one thousand asked a lot about what filter I utilise. I prefer these Filtrete MPR yard filters. They filter a majority of the bad stuff that could exist circulating through your domicile'due south ductwork, do a great chore keeping the ducts clean over the long booty, and they aren't such a tight filter that they need replacing too often (like the MPR 1500s, for instance). They're merely a really practiced remainder between good air and low maintenance.

Furnace filter

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Accessing Main Ducts

The areas yous could not reach with the steps above are not probable to incorporate a lot of dust and dirt. Even so, if you are determined to clean every place you lot can, there are a couple more than things you can do.

one. Remove finish caps from rectangular duct work. If you accept rectangular duct work, like in the picture below, y'all can remove the cease caps to access the inside of the ducts. Yous can slide the "drives" downward off the duct and pull the cap out of the "slips." So long as the duct is not butting up against the wall, you should be able to attain your vacuum hose in through the space uncovered by removing the cap, and sweep out whatsoever dust you find. You could even use a flashlight to wait within the duct for muddy areas.

The vertical piece of metallic on the right is chosen a drive. It is folded over on the acme and bottom of the duct to hold it in place. With a pair of pliers, you can unfold information technology and pull the drive down off the duct on both sides to detach the 2 pieces.

2. Clean inside basement registers. Often duct work will include registers installed throughout the arrangement to distribute air to the basement. If you remove these registers, you lot'll gain even farther admission to the main body line.

Congratulations!

If yous do what you tin of the items to a higher place, yous will accept fabricated a significant dent in the grit in your surroundings, and you volition have done the best you can, short of calling a professional air duct cleaning company.

Desire to Further Improve the Freshness of Your Abode's Air?

Now that your ducts are clean, possibly you'll want to take your indoor air quality to the next level. Learn more about the like shooting fish in a barrel DIY methods at your disposal for reducing odors and improving air quality with my article Furnace Smells: How to Reduce or Eliminate Odors in Your Air Ducts.

Do-It-Yourself Duct Cleaning

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for advisory or entertainment purposes just and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business organization, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: I accept vents in every room by the ceiling, and I have no basement. My furnace is in the closet of my one level business firm. How tin can I make clean it myself?

Respond: There are many different designs of duct systems, such as cranium systems and underground systems, but the theory of cleaning these systems is the same. You may not be able to access all parts of these systems (for instance, underground ducts), just you tin make a departure in your air quality by cleaning the parts of the organization that y'all can reach.

Question: This is a very helpful commodity, also wondering about how long to leave the fan on for?

Answer: Cheers. I go out my fan run nearly 345 days a yr.

Question: When cleaning my ventilation ducts, tin can I exit the fan and furnace on if I just want to vacuum out the crenel beneath the air register?

Reply: Certain. There's no problem with that.

Question: You lot say yous exit your furnace fan running 345 days of the year; doesn't this increase your utility bill quite a bit?

Answer: Of grade it's not complimentary but it's barely noticeable. The toll of keeping a fan running in one case it'southward gotten started is minimal and when y'all factor in the furnace running less cycles per day it becomes a launder or better sometimes. Then there's the comfort of having even temperatures throughout the house. That in itself is worth the times when information technology does maybe cost me a few dollars a month. I recommend you requite information technology a try. To approximate the price you'd really want to first in a month where in that location's no real need for heating or cooling so you tin can meet the impact on your bills. If you start now (winter) information technology's hard considering of course your bill is going to be higher than terminal month and then how much of that is a result of running the fan is hard to detect. Perhaps you tin compare to last twelvemonth at this fourth dimension and see assuming your electric hasn't gone upwardly.

Question: When cleaning air ventilation ducts, practice I run merely the fan or the fan on cool? Should the thermostat be in cool or heat mode?

Respond: You lot exit everything you would as normal but switch the fan to "on". The residuum of the system will notwithstanding operate as it normally would, but the fan volition proceed to run between cycles.

Question: Are registers and vents the aforementioned affair?

Reply: The terminology gets confusing, but yes. There are return air registers/vents that describe air dorsum to the fan and should not have a style to close and supply air vent bring conditioned air back to the rooms and unremarkably can be shut via a damper of some sort. Whether in the floor, on the wall, or in the ceiling they are all registers/vents.

Question: How oftentimes should we clean our ducts?

Answer: I would recommend having the furnace cleaned annually merely the ducts less frequently. It actually depends on the person (allergies, etc.) and the habitation (number of pets, etc.).

Question: When cleaning the render ducts should all registers be covered to foreclose grit from going thru the house while the fan is on?

Reply: I believe that'south mentioned in this commodity. I would recommend it, yes.

Question: Are solid square ducts meliorate and cleaner than collapsable types?

Answer: Cleaner yes. Better? Depends on how they're installed just if proper, then not really. They each fill the demand they are designed for. I personally would use hard duct whenever I can but flex duct is necessary in certain applications.

Question: I have dust around my ceiling registers in some rooms and my filter on return register gets dusty and dirty in less than a month. Volition cleaning above help?

Answer: Cleaning never hurts only every firm is different with a lot of factors that decide how dusty a house gets and how fast.

Question: I call back a lot of grit got sucked into my ceiling ducts. I tin can clean one day and write my name in the dust the next day. What do you recommend?

Reply: My article is intended to brand things "ameliorate" for homeowners who may not be able to beget a pro cleaning or just to perform upkeep and meliorate their air quality. Ceiling ducts are often connected to flexible ducting so the theory is the same, but you have to exist careful not to tear the interior liner. So, carefully exercise the all-time you can simply if y'all want every nook and cranny and can afford it, hire a pro. (Don't forget that keeping your fan running helps make clean your air and if y'all use a pleated filter, you can exercise fifty-fifty meliorate. Perchance have to change it more often, simply it'southward definitely worth it. Did I say run the fan? I always tell people this and they don't listen. I guess it goes confronting our instincts or something.)

Question: Will leaving the fan running year round increase the utility neb and how nigh turning off the pilot lite?

Respond: I exit my fan run approximately 340 days a yr and notice very piddling if any affect on my electrical nib. As for the pilot, I would plough mine off if I had one but I am comfortable knowing how to and remembering to relight it when the fall rolls around. No sense burning up gas for 6 months for no reason.

Question: Tin round flex ducts be cleaned?

Answer: Yep. More carefully and not perfectly just yes.

Question: Every time we plough on the heat we get a smell throughout the trailer which smells like poop, and we immediately get nauseous. Any suggestions on what the cause may be?

Answer: A bad heat exchanger can make an awful scent, and those are symptoms of CO exposure so I would definitely have it checked out and get a CO detector immediately. Often times a heat exchanger volition have a 20 twelvemonth warranty on it.

Question: I have the big air filters (24x16x5). Can I add filters to the return air grills and eliminate the large Honeywell filter?

Respond: Actually, that'south a pretty standard size for a residential arrangement. That said, in that location'south no existent way to practise this, and it would not be financially a adept idea if you could. If the furnace is in the home there are ways to put the filter right in the lesser of the furnace itself, but otherwise, I hate to say it, but it would be difficult to do much near this situation other than to call a company to practise a semi-annual maintenance for y'all. I understand the inconvenience, merely again, information technology would be difficult or expensive or both to rearrange this. A cheesecloth over the vents would be an option merely would be a lot to change them regularly. It wouldn't grab all that goes into the system, and you would want to remove the main filter. I would even more than and so recommend a servicing once or twice a year since the blower will probable dirty up faster so you lot might too just let them alter the filter and salvage the other efforts.

Question: How practice I get rid of a musty smell in my house?

Answer: For a quick set up, placing dryer sheets on the air filter could help. Just exist sure they are on the right side of the filter so they don't get sucked into the blower and use a clean filter.

Question: Would it assistance keep grit downwards by putting cheesecloth on your vents permanently?

Answer: You would accept to alter them similar whatever other filter and make sure they aren't restricting airflow, but your main filter takes care of most of this. It would probably be more than piece of work and maintenance than its worth.

© 2012 Dan Reed

Horatio.Jocelyn on May 31, 2020:

2781 S Eller Ln

Larry Orchard on Oct 22, 2019:

we live in a 1990 Manufactured home with a forced air gas furnace but never had Air conditioning only heat . this year we are getting a strong moldy odor from ane of the ducts into the front room and a couple of others non as bad/ had some mice in them a couple of years ago but this is moldy smell what can I do

simon on August 23, 2019:

How-do-you-do,

I have a tenant lament about dust built up in a condo. She wants me to pay for duct cleaning but this is a high rising condo. Will people duct clean 1 unit in the center of a high ascent condo? I thought in condo the duct is ordinarily used by everyone in the building and then information technology doesn't brand sure to do one unit.

nancy on June 24, 2019:

one bedroom upstairs does not get cool plenty with key air on

Thomas Wall on March 24, 2019:

I am good with running my Youtube Aqueduct.... but I know nix about my furnace -delight help :)

We alive in an onetime home with a large furnace that was converted from coal, to oil, and than to gas. There is a pilot light that stays on 365 days a yr and it is forced air ( no fan ).

Does this brand whatsoever difference for cleaning the vents with the vacuum ? Likewise, I do supervene upon the furnace filters, merely for whatever reason they never seem to practise much (( IE they are never dirty )).

Cheers for whatever assist you can give me, I am merely really not a natural when it comes to furnace upkeep.

Dan Reed (writer) on July 26, 2018:

Clifford - If there is 1 at that place now so they tin likely put a new 1 in that location over again however a unit on the ground tin be ran to a unit in an cranium. At that place may be some piping modifications that would need washed just it should exist possible in most cases.

Clifford ThomasIII on July 25, 2018:

I have a older 1988 large central ac unit on the roof! Can the new systems be hooked up to our duckting in our attic? Or how would they hook upwardly the unit of measurement from a footing mounted central air conditioning and heating unit of measurement! Cheers

Dan Reed (author) on July 24, 2018:

Thank you lot. I'm glad it helped.

Dan Reed (author) on July 23, 2018:

Ann McNally - If y'all have hush-hush ducting and it is filling with dirt and water you volition have to await into some blazon of lining or coating or sleeving of the ductwork. There is a video in this link that shows one particular style of sealing underground duct. https://dengarden.com/appliances/The-2-Easiest-Way...

Ann McNally ann_ mcnally@yahoo.com on July 22, 2018:

Our ac was cooling well until heavy rains that we had last week. I heard gurgling in our ground level air-conditioning vents then I turned off the ac for a number of hours until I felt like the water would bleed out. When I turned it back on, there was no gurgling so I idea things were dorsum to normal. Since that nighttime the air-conditioning is non cooling well and at present I wonder if the rainwater brought dirt into the ductwork. If so, what is the remedy?

Dan Reed (author) on June 01, 2018:

There isn't any specific equipment that I can recommend for cleaning your own ducts. There isn't annihilation I'm enlightened of for such and is why I just recommend you shake em effectually a bit to loosen up any dust in there and let the air movement it down the line for you. Peradventure a professional company would have something special for those but I wouldn't be sure what that is. If you do have an thought then just keep in heed that you don't want to use anything that might puncture or tear the inner liner.

Sal on May 31, 2018:

What equipment do you lot utilise for flex duct work?

charles on May 16, 2018:

very helpfull give thanks y'all

Dan Reed (author) on May 07, 2018:

Patrick - No. I do non. Nor Aeroseal for that matter. I just know they use the type of applied science that is all-time for your blazon of situation and so if you've found some other company using this type of tech then I would have to say it's a coin toss as I have no background on either equally a company, just the tech.

Patrick on May 07, 2018:

Thanks for the assist, Dan!

I wasn't aware of Aeroseal, thank you for pointing me there. Have y'all had any experience with Duct Armor https://www.ductarmor.com/?

Dan Reed (author) on May 07, 2018:

Patrick - First, I personally wouldn't pay if the ducts aren't clean. That'southward what they charged for and that's what they should deliver. If they didn't cheque with a photographic camera to meet if at that place was some reason they couldn't clean the ducts proper then that's their mistake for not existence diligent on the quote and they know underground ducts tin can present these kind of issues. Secondly, I would look into Aeroseal. Here is a link to another article that can aid y'all understand that. It'due south not cheap but would probable exist cheaper than your alternatives. It'southward at least worth looking into. https://dengarden.com/appliances/The-2-Easiest-Way...

Patrick on May 06, 2018:

Cheers for your article.

We recently purchased a house and information technology turns out the heating ducts are made of Transite. The house is ane story and all ducts are in the slab. We've had the air tested for asbestos, and there is none, but the ducts do indeed contain asbestos.

I have ii questions.

We had a company clean the ducts. They desire to charge $700 (oasis't paid yet because task is non complete). They've supposedly cleaned the ducts twice at present, but there is a large amount of rodent poop, debris, sand, etc. still in them. It seems like this company either doesn't know how to clean ducts or isn't capable of doing so. They plainly didn't cover the heat registers while they were cleaning because the entire business firm is now covered in dust. Extremely frustrating considering we just had the floors cleaned and cleaned all of the shelving.

Question one: How would you proceed with this?

I've read online the best thing to do with in-slab ducts is to fill them with concrete, cap them off, and effigy out another way to supply rut to the business firm.

Question 2: What are options here? I've researched heat pumps a scrap, but really don't want to install them equally they would destroy the exterior artful of the house. Only I'm thinking they might be the only selection since it is a single story business firm on a slab. At that place is an attic that is attainable.

Dan Reed (writer) on May 02, 2018:

Elaine - I agree but there really isn't much that can become wrong hither. We're just cleaning and for those who tin can't afford a professional, this is culling that still helps their situation quite a bit for no cost.

Elaine T. Keller on May 02, 2018:

Most of the things I did was mentioned in your article when cleaning our air ventilation. Keen posts and I acquired some some new tips. Also if things can be become wrong or for less hassle, seeking professional duct cleaning visitor would be a great aid.

ammywilliamsja on January 20, 2018:

You have covered all necessary points on your blog. Dirty ducts blow dust, lint and other droppings into every room of your domicile but sometimes you have to call professional for all duct cleaning services.

Dan Reed (writer) on January nineteen, 2018:

Unfortunately, I'm in the aforementioned boat and all yous can really do is keep cleaning. A duct cleaning can't hurt and I also run the fan on my furnace around 340 days a year which keeps air moving through my filter thus catching more of the dust and hair (and of course meaning I modify my filter a chip more often than well-nigh) only that is most all you can practise. A duct cleaning won't really exercise much for the ongoing shedding and grit our kids create.

Mrs. Ryan on January 18, 2018:

My hardwood floors are always dirty. Would air duct cleaning help all that much. I have 3 cats and one small dog and family always is in and out a lot. No i leaves shoes at door. When I look at my floors at night with a flashlight dirt is everywhere. So I judge our family home is full of clay all the fourth dimension because of these habits. I vacuum but it is always muddy. What do you think is best solution?

Janice on January 13, 2018:

After months of respiratory infections and so having my lung partially collapse my landlord finally agreed to clean my air ducts but had the apartment circuitous carpet cleaning guy come do information technology. He was shocked and horrified. I was breathing in squirrel feces and tons of information technology for months aslope a ton of mold and meldew. The air intake is located in a closet exterior my apartment on the balcony and the door to the closet had a large enough space underneath for squirrels to crawl in. He had to sweep all the poop and harbinger nest they fabricated in there. Information technology filled a quarter of a garbage bag. I have Lupus and it was non until I threatened to sue after getting out of the hospital my landlord finally did something. The amount of stuff that was coming out of my vents was crazy. For months, everything I cooked kept getting gritty stuff in it and I finally put 2 and 2 together and figured out information technology was the the ducts. Wish I would have found this info sooner. Thank you for taking the time to write this and share.

Janice on January 13, 2018:

Wow.

Dan Reed (writer) on November 21, 2017:

Sometimes in that location are ducts in the attic and yes, sometimes there are registers in the wall. It all depends on the style of system you have.

BLT on November 20, 2017:

Are there air ducts in the attic? What well-nigh registers in the wall?

Dan Reed (writer) on November xiii, 2017:

Barbara - Dust settles more than in the ducts since there is less air movement so the biggest thing y'all may observe is smell. Less dust is ever practiced in my opinion.

Barbara Cooley on Nov xiii, 2017:

I have a gravity furnace. My question is, does it make sense to have the ducts cleaned, since the dust (decades worth) isn't being blown around as the furnace has no blower? I'm thinking information technology makes more sense to "let sleeping dogs lie." I don't notice excessive dust in the house.

Dan Reed (writer) on August 25, 2017:

Pastor B - Starting time, thank you for the kind words! The answer to the kickoff 2 questions in a nutshell is aye. Running the fan however by itself is probably the better idea to dry the organization a bit. That said, it isn't a solution, just helps a scrap. I would attempt to find the root of the trouble and take care of that to finish the issue. Calculation things like air cleaner and UV lite to the arrangement can help long term with some of this simply having the a/c coil cleaned and checked (the indoor evaporator coil) is a expert commencement if you've not had that done before. If the smell is coming from the crawlspace and getting pulled into the air stream is the issue then sealing the ductwork with a mastic may too be a good mensurate and is something you tin practice yourself with a bucket of mastic, a pigment brush, pair of rubber gloves and long sleeves....you don't want to get it tangled up in your arm hair and such. Information technology can be a difficult task to become out. :-) I promise this helps and cheers for reading!

Pastor B. on August 24, 2017:

Offset of all your website is great and very informative! Thanks for a willingness to help!!!

My question is a three-parter, which results from every bit soon as I plough on the AC, "IMMEDIATELY" at that place is the scent of damp air:

1) Tin crawlspace air dampness get inside the rut exchange causing dampness in my duct work ?

two) Tin can an extremely dingy evaporator roll cause dampness and moisture in the duct work or practice I simply need to clean the evaporator coil and the render duct too?

3) If I turn on the oestrus, volition it dry out the wet that's in the duct work?

I await and look forward to your recommendations, and again thanks. May God anoint y'all for helping people with your gift in this profession!

Dan Reed (author) on Baronial 10, 2017:

Christy - You're very welcome and thank you for the kind words and reading my commodity.

Christy on August 09, 2017:

Thanks then much for all this information! I do not look up how to practise things ordinarily, because my Dad taught me pretty well how to do things myself! But I wanted to make sure I did THIS correctly!

Dan Reed (writer) on August 03, 2017:

Branden five - Brilliant! Thanks for reading and the kind words.

Branden v on July 29, 2017:

Helpful information. Cheers. I wanted to add together, I cut a good length from an old garden hose,inserted within my vacuum hose and duct taped it. Information technology extended the reach further in a tight space. Pulled out a gruesome amount of dog hair. Thanks again.

Dan Reed (author) on July 18, 2017:

Kristal - I'k pitiful but there are so many duct systems information technology would be hard for me to aid without more info. If your ducts are cased in drywall it would exist very hard to access without special equipment.

Dan Reed (author) on July 13, 2017:

Briana - Cheers for the feedback. I love to hear back from you guys/gals. Wait into using pleated filters and perhaps even having a UV light installed in the duct if you believe that is the source.

Briana on July 11, 2017:

I have 4 kids and they have been constantly been getting sick. I had a lightbulb moment and thought maybe the air is causing this. We live in the desert and experience a lot of grit. I came across your page and cleaned them myself. Just want to say thank you!!!! I'm sure this will assistance my family so much!

Deb on June 23, 2017:

Thanks. I have a gas furnace. If I do it myself, do I demand to extinguish the pilot calorie-free? Will it go off by itself when I plow the power off to the furnace? Will I demand to have it re-lit once I plough the power back on?

Dan Reed (author) on June 18, 2017:

Deb - I've never been asked nigh tear gassing nor do I have any experience with it. I would call back not. I don't know that a standard professional duct cleaning would do it either. Maybe phone call a disaster restoration company and see what they recommend. They handle drug lab clean ups and things of that nature so they could probably offer amend advice. Thanks for reading.

Deb on June 17, 2017:

My house was tear gassed simply my furnace has not been turned on since the incident. Do I demand to get the unit and ducts professionally cleaned or tin I practice information technology myself with these steps.

Dan Reed (author) on June 06, 2017:

Well the idea is to create even airflow but placidity honestly, it's non often achieved. Not even in my dwelling house. You tin can have a company come and residue the arrangement but they may find it has something to do with the design or have to add together a booster fan or some sort of control system to go far fully counterbalanced. It is something that could cost $100 or $1000. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Donna on June 04, 2017:

My flooring register in my room doesn't allow much air period. I've tried reaching downward equally far as I could with my long arms but tin only become so much. My understanding is all ducks/floor registers are continued for fifty-fifty air flow in our basement. Anybody else'southward gets a lot of cold air blowing in theres. How tin I get my registers air flow to piece of work better

Dan Reed (author) on May 22, 2017:

Jill - Not all HVAC companies clean duct. There are actually businesses who specifically practice just that. I'm non sure who you spoke to but that is something to consider. There are also sure duct systems that perhaps only a few companies would exist equipped to handle.

Jill on May 22, 2017:

Hi, I was just told that they can't make clean my ductwork...does this sound right? What could information technology peradventure be fabricated of that a company tin can't clean my ducts?

Dan Reed (author) on May 19, 2017:

My get-go thought is that you lot have secret duct piece of work. If so, in that location are diverse ways to address that merely I'm not real familiar with them. If y'all don't then I'm yet not sure what that could be. If y'all're in heating flavour, some furnaces will odor bad because the rut exchanger is bad and if so, you need to consider a new arrangement if you're not under warranty. Note: Many heat exchangers have rather long warranties. twenty years...maybe lifetime.

Carole mcaleer on May 19, 2017:

I have a sewage gas smell coming from air ducts. What would y'all suggest?

Dan Reed (writer) on May 17, 2017:

I would definitely need more info than this to help only volition say commencement thing is to cheque your filter. Also, when is the last time the coils indoor and outdoor were cleaned? If the unit is running proper and you're not getting air, these are the usual suspects.

Ivana Alfieri on May sixteen, 2017:

I accept 3 air units in my restaurant and cipher is coming out of vents or very little air .

Dan Reed (author) on March 08, 2017:

Colleen - I assume y'all have hush-hush ducting then and y'all would need to have them cleared and sealed which will likely require a fair amount of money and a professional. If they aren't hush-hush and you're experiencing this then it sounds like your ducts are in need of insulating because they are in an unconditioned infinite and the inner and outer temps are creating condensation. Thank yous for reading.

Colleen Vincelli on March 07, 2017:

what happens when you have a lot of water in your air ducts..we only take key air, not heating ?

Dan Reed (author) on Jan xvi, 2017:

Thank you lot Greenmind!

GreenMind Guides from USA on January 15, 2017:

Hey smashing hub with lots of adept info and advice. I like the way you write and y'all clearly know what yous're talking nearly.

violet shrop on Jan 09, 2017:

Cheers so much Daniel-

Dan Reed (author) on January 06, 2017:

Violet Shrop - Thank you and no. You lot don't desire the power off while cleaning registers...you want the fan running. At present in one case you get to the furnace itself, at the end and you're ready to change the filter and wrap up...yes. Plow off the power.

Thanks for reading.

VioletShrop on Jan 06, 2017:

This is really well written & helpful. Only to brand sure: so to clean your return annals, you don't need to shut the ability off? I wouldn't think so either, mine looks like yours, only a space nether the hvac cabinet, no electric element seen. Thank you.

Dan Reed (writer) on January 03, 2017:

Tyler - Yes. If the breaker to the furnace is off, you should be safe under normal circumstances. A elementary voltage detector is ever prissy to accept though to be sure. You just touch it to annihilation and if there is voltage, it volition blink and/or beep. Only costs similar $20 and is useful for many things. Thank you for reading.

Tyler on January 02, 2017:

If I switch off the breaker, then I can touch everything on the unit of measurement at the intake right? Cheers Daniel this is awesome.

Dan Reed (author) on Dec 29, 2016:

DCME - Goose egg really happens. Y'all just won't be able to clean that area without getting up there. If you go as much equally yous tin, you're still doing something.

DCME on Dec 12, 2016:

some of the supply registers are in a valeted ceiling. since i can't tech them what happens

Dan Reed (author) on Nov 24, 2016:

Christine - I recollect you're misunderstanding. I'm recommending you cover the supply registers, not the return and simply temporarily, not forever. It would accept a lot more than a newspaper towel over the supply registers for a few minutes to burn up a motor. Especially on the supply side. If it were return air, I'd say you're right but even and so, it would take a lot more than a newspaper towel and few minutes to cause any sort of damage to the motor.

christine on Nov 19, 2016:

covering the registers and running the fan volition burn out the fan. bad idea.

D. Bunch on Oct 23, 2016:

We bought an older mobile domicile over a yr agone. I bought a wet dry vac and information technology didn't take plenty suction power to vacuum the floor duct. The return air is disconnected. I run window a.c. units and have simply floor heat. There are blockages in the duct. And so, is a shop vac ameliorate than wet/dry vac? I demand oestrus desperately earlier wintertime arrives.

Dan Reed (author) on Oct thirteen, 2016:

Bill - The metallic shouldn't hold the smell and you probably won't exist able to clean information technology all unless y'all disconnect it and so for the time and attempt, I'd replace the damaged duct and registers rather than attempt and make clean them.

Bill on October 08, 2016:

Hello, simply bought a firm where previous possessor immune dogs to urinate all over air vents. Some urine must have leaked downwardly air ducts. What is best way to clean air ducts?

Dan Reed (writer) on Oct 08, 2016:

Mila - Not all ducts can feasibly be reached and vertical ducts in the wall are not usually the main culprit in holding grit. This article is about doing a pretty darn proficient job on your ain but not necessarily to get to every nook and cranny. Thanks for reading!

Mila on October 06, 2016:

I have air exchanger the pips are in the wall.Haw tin I clean them my selfish?

Kim Spraggins on September 27, 2016:

After trying to find as proficient deal on air duct cleaning I idea about researching how to do information technology ourselves and I'm so glad I did! This rehab house has been sitting for 9 yrs and only God knows what'due south been lurking and swirling effectually for the 2+yrs since we installed the furnace. Now with 2 cats everything gets covered in dust especially in the summer with no central air, merely loftier-powered floor fans. I bake cakes and take to turn them all off to continue the dust, lint, cat hair etc from landing in them! Eeek...and when the dominicus shines through the window the dust becomes fifty-fifty more visible! Dust, dust, dust...I tin't take it whatever more and volition be so happy when we're done with this DIY project! Update to follow! Thanks and so much!!!! Mmmwah

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on May 02, 2015:

Daniel, these were not bad tips on how to clean the air vents yourself with simple and easy steps. Voted up for useful!

MarkE on Apr 10, 2015:

I would like to add together that a lot of the dust is from your home and mostly found in your return vents and return ducting considering every bit it pulls the air into the ducting from your business firm, along with the dust and moisture, some of it will gravitate towards the bottom of the ducting due to

i) gravity

2) moisture condensing

three) static electricity

Your supply vents ought to be relatively clean in comparison due to the fact that in that location is an air filter upstream from the supply vents preventing any dust , usually, from going any farther than the filter. However in that location volition be some albeit a lot less in any event.

Banging on the outside of your vents may release some dust but opening upwards the vents at their ends if possible will let you to vacuum a heck of a lot more grit.

I am replacing as many joist liners as possible, because information technology is relatively cheap and gets rid of any rust, mold, bacteria, and of course grit that you may or may not run across.

Good luck in your ventures, may the wind always exist at your back!

Dan Reed (author) on July 25, 2014:

Well, if information technology's merely a slice, I'd throw it away. Information technology's likely a scrap piece that's been in there longer than you lot may have realized and in your cleaning, worked it's manner to visibility. Unfortunately, much droppings establish in duct is from construction and people using the duct as a dustpan. If you don't see any parts missing or holes in the ducting, then merely toss information technology and know that they're that much cleaner.

Nina on July 24, 2014:

Prior to reading your commodity, I cleaned my ductwork with a shop vac and it worked really well. The next day I found a piece of ductwork in i of the floor registers. Not sure what to do about it. Whatsoever assist is much appreciated.

Dan Reed (writer) on July 09, 2014:

Jeremy - I let all comments. Particularly ones like this because it gives me the opportunity to educate people. First off, if you really read the article, I clearly state this is a pretty skilful way to go if you don't have the money for professionals. I'thousand guessing yous're a duct cleaner and don't want me showing people a dainty alternative that will save them money and better their air quality far more than doing nothing. My manufactures are not aimed to help or hurt anyone's concern...only to help people who can't afford such services to do the best they can to help themselves savor these luxuries when it's within their power to practice so. I stand by every word in this article. With over twenty years in HVAC from loading trucks to currently running big commercial projects and everything in between, I think the professionals are already on information technology. Cheers for reading...or kind of anyhow.

Jeremy on July 09, 2014:

lol!! You think this compares to a real cleaning in any fashion? Not fifty-fifty close. Some jobs should be left to the professionals.

Dan Reed (author) on November 19, 2013:

Yes. Information technology is expensive. Glad I could help.

Candice on November nineteen, 2013:

I was but quoted betwixt $300 and $600 to make clean my ducts. I refuse to pay that. So I'll be doing this myself and I greatly appreciate this how to.

Dan Reed (author) on July 01, 2012:

Thank you bleedercleaners. Yes and the expert news is, in a new home, if you clean the ducts really well correct later the home is congenital, you will cutting downward on much of the dust forever. Unfortunately, in a new abode, the drywall and sawdust often gets into and is swept into the heat vents. Get it now and it can assist a lot.

bleedercleaners on June 30, 2012:

STARTING TO SEE A LITTLE DUST COLLECTING ON THE REGISTERS. ALTHOUGH Information technology IS A NEW HOUSE WE HAVE A LOT OF CONSTRUCTION. GUESS THAT HAS MUCH TO Do WITH IT. ANYWAY, THANKS! Yous GOT MY VOTE

christianajohan on April 27, 2012:

I agree with yous that to have a healthy life, allow us beginning have a healthy environment.

Hady Chahine from Manhattan Beach on Apr 27, 2012:

Informative hub! Almost people don't realize the health benefits associated with make clean duct work. Thanks.

Subhas from New Delhi, India on April 26, 2012:

This is of great aid and surely going to help me relieve some bucks by cleaning it myself.

Eric Calderwood from USA on Apr 26, 2012:

This hub comes only in time for me. I was about to seal upwardly all the duct-work in my basement. You accept convinced me that I should take advantage of this time to practise some cleaning start. Thank you for a corking hub!

JP Carlos from Quezon CIty, Phlippines on April 26, 2012:

This is a prissy footstep by step guide on cleaning ventilation ducts. No wonder information technology'due south the hub of the day. Congratulations.

summerberrie on Apr 26, 2012:

Great information about cleaning air ducks, Cre8tor! Voted upward and useful.

Kitty Fields from Summerland on April 26, 2012:

Most people have no thought how much dirt & grit gets trapped inside of their ducts. It's truly scary what other things have been institute in ductwork too (dead animals, MONEY, etc.) I have worked for the state'south largest duct cleaning franchise company for the past half dozen years, and so I hear a lot of nasty stories. Thanks for sharing. Crawly hub!

Sinea Pies from Northeastern U.s.a. on April 26, 2012:

With 2 dogs and lots of dirt outside, you tin can just imagine the build up in those air ducts over the years. Nosotros really are putting in a new furnace so we are hiring a pro to do it...simply at present I know what to watch for. Nifty tutorial and congrats on being Hub of the Solar day! Wow! Voted very Upwards and useful.

Patricia Scott from Northward Key Florida on Apr 26, 2012:

This is very helpful...I capeesh the step by footstep information as well as the pictures. I will pass this along to my son-in-law as I call back this is something he will use before long. As a matter of fact, he will probably utilise it at my house!!! Keen job...congrats on the hub of the day too....

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on Apr 26, 2012:

Most of our air ducts are upwardly in the ceiling except for the return air ducts. At least nosotros can apply your suggestions to clean those. Never fifty-fifty idea about it except for changing out the filters. Congratulations on your HOFD accolade.

Urmila from Rancho Cucamonga,CA, U.s.a. on April 26, 2012:

I am making my husband to read this hub so that he tin can clean air ducts in our firm. Useful and voted up.

Congrats on HOTD!

Kristin Trapp from Illinois on Apr 26, 2012:

I just had my air ducts cleaned professionally a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't believe the gunk that was on the sometime filter afterwards the job was washed. Since so the corporeality of grit circulating around my domicile is drastically reduced. It never occurred to me to try this job on my own. Corking hub.

Milli from USA on April 26, 2012:

Dandy step by step instruction to clean ducts. Thanks for sharing information technology. Voted up and congratulations on Hub of the day!

Mary Hyatt from Florida on April 26, 2012:

Congrats on Hub of the Day. This is very informative. I'g not certain I could practice this my self but maybe my son in police could practice it for me. I voted this UP, etc.etc.

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 26, 2012:

Dandy tips and data! This is not something that I do regularly, but I really should. Congrats on getting Hub of the Solar day!

dbuddhika on April 26, 2012:

Congratulations HOD. First-class and Very useful.

christianajohan on Apr 26, 2012:

Hi Cre8tor,

Congratulations for being a great author in Hubpages. How lucky you lot are to have called every bit hub of the 24-hour interval in your informative hub!

All is well especially if nosotros can exercise house job. If not, I propose you hire someone and this hub of yours is a great guide to instruct those who will clean it.

I am looking frontwards for your hubs.

I myself is eager to be chosen anytime for this hub of the day advantage.

kthix10 from IL on April 26, 2012:

Great Hub! Congrats on Hub of the day! Nosotros had ours professionally washed a year ago when we bought the firm, but this will help united states of america maintain a cleaner healthier air quality in the house.

Cynthia B Turner from Georgia on April 26, 2012:

What great information this is! It doesn't look also complicated at all. Information technology fits right in with jump cleaning. Cheers for compiling and sharing it hither.

Clive Donegal from En Road on April 26, 2012:

That was very helpful. Thank you,

Michael J Rapp from United States on April 26, 2012:

Very informative Hub Cre8tor. Congrats on Hub of the Day!

kelleyward on Apr 26, 2012:

Thanks for sharing this data. This was well written making it like shooting fish in a barrel to empathise! Congrats on HOTD!

Natasha from Hawaii on April 26, 2012:

Crawly - cheers then much. You're correct - I don't have a loftier-powered vacuum with a super long string, and so your instructions are perfect.

Congrats on the hub of the day!

Source: https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/how-to-clean-ventilation-ducts

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