How To Keep Your Ducts Clean: A Guide To Understanding Your HVAC Unit Clean

Posted on: 14 May 2015

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Debris and dust build up in your ducts can reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of your furnace and air conditioner, driving up your energy bills over the course of a season. Dust build up is a natural part of the operation of your central heating and cooling units. However, there are a number of simple steps that you can take to help reduce the amount of dust that collects in your ducts and maintain the effectiveness of your heating and cooling units.

Maintenance

Having your air conditioner and central heating system serviced every year can help keep your ducts clean, as mold, dirt, and dust is cleaned out of unit before it can reach the duct system. This helps prevent the spread of allergens and other debris, and keeps your ducts clear. You should be doing this anyway to keep your air conditioner and heating unit in good shape.

Dusting and Cleaning

Keeping your home clean and as dust free as possible can help reduce the amount of dust that ends up in your ducts. Vacuuming is the best way to remove large amounts of dust from your home. Keep an eye on the areas around the air intake vents for your air conditioner and central heating units, as mold or dust buildup there can spread into your ducts and throughout the rest of your home as well.

Protection

If you are having renovations or construction occur in your home for a period of time, be sure to turn the air conditioner off and block off the intake vent with an impermeable covering to prevent any sawdust or fine particles from ending up in your ducts.

Pet Grooming

Dog and cat hair can clump up extremely fast, and depending on the breed of pet that you have, the amount of hair that they shed can be excessive. Keeping your pet properly groomed and regularly brushing them to remove any excess hair can help prevent that hair from balling up and ending up in your duct work.

Clean the Ducts

While this is a more expensive option, it is the only way to actually remove debris from your ducts. If you're noticing reduced air flow or no air flow at all coming from your vents, you should get your ducts cleaned. HVAC services professionals will be able to flush your ducts and remove all built up debris and restore your air conditioner and furnace to their full effectiveness.