How to clean an air duct

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The frequency with which you clean the air duct for your heating and air system is very important. If this task is not done the heating and air unit has to work harder, waste more electricity and may seize up.

First locate the air duct intake. This is a panel about two feet by three feet located inside your house. Typically it is has a vented cover that accumulates dirt quickly. The cover for the air duct fastens in place using one of many methods. Investigate the cover thoroughly and take it off it using the latches. That is to say do not break it pulling it off. Inside you will find an air filter that exactly fits the opening for the air duct.

There are several different brands of air filters with a large price range. The biggest thing about buying a filter is that you need to get another one in one to three months, no matter which one you buy. This filter is the first line of defense for your house heat and air system to pump clean, dust free air into your home. There are washable, reusable filters on the market also. These are sometimes prone to allow fungus, mold or mildew to grow inside them if they do not get maintained properly.

Search along the filter edge for a size stamping. This will be listed in inches for example 16 x 20. This is the size filter you must purchase to replace the dirty one. Any hardware store or even Walmart stocks common size filters.

To replace the filter and clean the air duct, first make sure the heat and air control is turned off. Take out the air filter and dispose of it. If you are allergic to dust wear a mask for safety. Use the vacuum cleaner to clean out the air duct vent, clean anywhere you can reach with it. Next use a degreaser spray cleaner to clean the air duct vent cover. This is a real pain because you have to clean all the small ribs in the cover. Use the degreaser to clean up any muck inside the air duct. Remember this is the air the heat and air system will force throughout your home so try to get any particles you can clean up.

After cleaning the air duct and have replaced the intake air filter, reattach the air duct vent cover. Take the time to latch the cover properly. Then turn the heat and air system back on and enjoy clean air from your system. Regularly cleaning the air duct of your heating and air system has several benefits. Clean air flow through the home is the biggest benefit, this can mean less coughing and nasal problems caused by allergens being blown around the home. A clean air duct intake also prolongs the life span of the heat and air unit and saves money on maintenance bills. The smell of the home can also be improved by how clean the air duct and filter are kept

In general it is best to clean the air duct and replace the filter every three months to get the best service from your heat and air unit.