According to a 2018 survey, Americans, on average, spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Specifically, 1 in 4 people spend nearly every hour indoors without going outside. This means that most people depend on the air confined within their HVAC system for many days.
Unfortunately, not many people care about the quality of this air. When the air quality is poor, it can cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
The question then becomes how can you improve your indoor air quality? One way is by cleaning your air ducts regularly. How? That’s what this article is about- a guide to air duct cleaning.
Alternatively, you can get commercial cleaning Salt Lake City professional to help you with the task.
A Guide to Cleaning Air Duct
Air duct cleaning only comes naturally to a few people. But with the proper steps, it can be a breeze.
#1. Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need some basic supplies before you start cleaning HVAC air ducts. These include a screwdriver and vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. You might also need a cleaning solution and protective gear like gloves and a mask.
Finally, get a brush or duster and possibly a flashlight. These tools are necessary to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
#2. Turn Off the Power
For safety, turn off the power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker before starting the cleaning process. Doing this helps reduce the possibility of an injury or accident.
Furthermore, switching off the HVAC before cleaning air ducts prevents component damage.
#3. Access the Air Ducts
Locate the air duct covers in your home. They’re typically either on walls, floors, or ceilings. After finding the air duct covers, use a screwdriver to remove the covers, otherwise known as registers and grilles.
#5. Clean the Registers and Grilles
To clean the registers and grilles in air ducts, you must remove them carefully from the duct openings using a screwdriver.
Once removed, soak them in warm and soapy water to loosen dirt and grime. After that, scrub the covers with a brush to remove any stubborn debris. Then, thoroughly rinse and dry the registers and grilles before reattaching them to the air duct openings.
#4. Inspect the Ducts
Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the ducts. While at it, look for any visible signs of mold, dust, or debris. It may be time for a thorough cleaning if you see significant buildup.
#6. Clean the Ducts
You can clean the ducts of the HVAC system by using a combination of vacuuming, brushing, and other specialized tools.
First, utilize a brush or duster to loosen any stubborn debris. Then, use the vacuum cleaner to remove the debris from the surface.
#7. Check for Mold
If you suspect mold in your air ducts, it’s best to get commercial cleaning in Salt Lake City. This is because mold can harm your health if not handled with expertise.
Salt Lake City commercial cleaners have the tools and skills to inspect and safely remove molds.
#8. Replace the Air Filter
Once you’ve cleaned the air ducts, replace the air filter in your HVAC system. A clean filter helps trap dust and debris, preventing them from entering the ducts.
When replacing the filter, ensure that it’s the correct size and in the right direction. Once you’ve installed them, close the compartment and turn the HVAC system back on.
#9. Schedule Regular Cleanings
To maintain clean air ducts, schedule regular cleanings every few years. However, your routine cleaning should be done more often if you have pets or allergies. It’s also essential to clean your air ducts more regularly if your indoor activity involves a lot of smoke.
Consequently, cleaning your air ducts from time to time can be tasking. Fortunately, you can always get commercial cleaning in Salt Lake City. This will relieve the stress of cleaning your HVAC air ducts yourself.
Bottom Line
Cleaning your air ducts is a simple but essential task that can improve the air quality in your home and workspace. Nonetheless, you have to follow the proper steps. This will ensure effective cleaning and your safety and prevent damage to the HVAC system.
To be safe, getting commercial cleaning Salt Lake City service is advisable. With the right experts, you can rest assured that the job will be perfectly done.