How The Experts Do Air Duct Cleaning: The Process

Air duct cleaning is done by a professional service provider. The majority of these service providers pair air ducts cleaning with filter and carpet cleaning, while other providers focus solely on air duct cleaning. Before hiring an air duct cleaning in your area, learn the process and make sure the cleaning service hired performs similar tasks.

Reverse Vacuum

The ultimate goal of an air duct cleaning is to remove all dirt, debris, dander and even vermin. Therefore, the provider will need to use a reverse vacuum that pulls all of the debris from the ducts without blowing it through the rest of the house. When using a quality air duct cleaning, customers will notice that their home's returns are covered and sealed prior to the vacuum being used. This prevents dust and debris from escaping back into the air during the cleaning process.

Hand Cleaning

After the vacuum is used, professionals will follow up with a hand cleaning of each vent and return. Sanitizing agents must be used and then followed up with a diffuser in each register to ensure that the vents are clean and mold free.

Interior Scrubbing

Cleaning services will utilize interior scrubbing inside the returns and vents. This process uses a large volume of compressed air followed by scrubbing tools that go down each return to eliminate dust and debris stuck to the sides of the vents. This will also remove any mold or mildew growing on the interior sides of the returns.

Optional Cleaning: Furnace Interior

Not all furnaces require an interior cleaning. Most new models can be quickly blown out, while others will require extensive interior cleaning. When the furnace requires cleaning, an air washing is used on the interior and a vacuum inserted into the drop, blower fan, filter box, cabinet interior and a/c coil to remove any buildup that may have accumulated over the years.

Deodorants

The final step with cleaning is to refresh the air and make it smell clean and crisp. This is done by applying a thin layer of deodorant spray into the returns that gives off a fresh, clean scent into the air. Typically this deodorant spray will last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how frequently the system and returns are used.

Before hiring an air duct cleaning service, customers should contact the prospective servicer and inquire about their cleaning methods. Make sure that no biocides or harsh, degradable chemicals are inserted into the vents - these can cause severe respiratory issues for the elderly, immune compromised and young children.