Common types of indoor air contaminants:

Carbon dioxide

Ozone

Dust, fiberglass, asbestos, and other particulates

Toxic vapors and gases

Dust mites

Fungi, mold

When to Clean

First of all, how do you know when it’s time to clean your air ducts? Poor health is one sign your HVAC system could be contaminated.

Some common health problems associated with poor indoor air quality include:

Headache

Fatigue

Dry eyes, nose, and throat

Allergies

Shortness of breath

Sinus congestion

Nausea

Dizziness

Step #1: Assess Your Ducts

Air ducts come in many different shapes, sizes, and configurations. Some run overhead while others run beneath your floorboards. How your ducts are configured will impact how you go about cleaning them, but the overall principles are the same, regardless.

However, your HVAC system is set up, there’s likely going to be long stretches of ductwork that are hard to reach, no matter what duct cleaning equipment you’re working with. If you’re trying to get every last particle of dust, dirt, and contaminants, consider seeking a professional duct cleaning service.

Step #2: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, you’ll want to gather everything you’ll need to clean your ducts thoroughly. You don’t want to leave your air ducts open for longer than necessary, especially before you’ve cleaned your system. You run the risk of flushing your home or business with all manner of contaminants if you leave your filters off for too long.

Furnace Filter

Dirty filters are one of the most common reasons for HVAC cleaning. Make sure to have fresh, clean filters to put on when your job is done.

Vacuum  

A shop-vac style vacuum is best for cleaning your ducts, but a standard home vacuum can serve in a pinch. Having the right vacuum is one of the best reasons to consult a duct cleaning specialist in Seattle.

Professional duct cleaning companies have specialized equipment with heavy-duty hoses that can reach every nook and cranny and get every speck of dust and contaminants.

Brush 

You’ll need a brush to unstick any stubborn contaminants clinging to your air ducts. Something resembling a toilet brush works best, but any stiff bristle brush should do.

Screwdriver or Hex Wrench  

Your grate covers are attached to something. You’re going to need some kind of screwdriver to remove these grates to access your air ducts. It’s best to have both a regular screwdriver as well as a Phillips head on hand before you begin. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to pause and search for a tool when you’re in the thick of a project.

Paper Towels 

You’ll also want to have some paper towels on hand for when you’re finished. We recommend using paper towels, as they’re likely to get very dirty. You don’t want to ruin your cloth towels.

Step #3: Cover Your Intake Vents

Intake vents are the coverings you find on the floor that provide central air to your room. You’ll need to cover that vent with a towel or covering of some kind. Otherwise, you’ll just keep pushing dust and contaminants from room to room.

Step #4: Run The Fan

Set your furnace to ‘Fan On’ once you begin cleaning your air ducts in earnest. You’ll need to flush all the dust from throughout your HVAC system. If your thermostat doesn’t feature a ‘Fan Only’ mode, you can run the heat to achieve a similar result.

Step #5: Check Your Filter

Once you begin cleaning your system, you’ll want to make sure your furnace filter is in place. Otherwise, you run the risk of dumping all of that dust straight back into your HVAC system, counteracting all of your hard work.

When you’re replacing filters, bear in mind that your HVAC system has different demands placed on it with each change of season. Using season-specific filters will help your HVAC system manage these different demands and provide your home with the freshest, cleanest air possible.