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How to Clean Your Heating Ducts

Oct 17, 2019

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Heating Ductwork


It’s that time of year again – the leaves are changing color, the mornings are becoming crisp, and soon your heating systems will be kicking in for the first time. Are they ready?


Your heating ducts can quickly become a source of allergens when dust and pet dander settle into their crevices. When your heat turns on for the first time, it will send all of these particles into your living spaces, affecting your indoor air quality. Regular HVAC maintenance, including duct cleaning, can help keep your air fresh and your systems running efficiently.


Let’s take a closer look at how to clean your heating ducts, and when you should call a professional HVAC company.


The Importance of Cleaning Your Heating Ducts


Did you know that cleaning your ductwork can help you save money on your heating bills? When your heating ducts are clean, air moves through them more efficiently, pushing heat into your living spaces and decreasing the load on your furnace. When your heating system is not working as hard, you can increase its lifespan and reduce the need for HVAC service or repair.


When cleaning your heat ducts, you have two options – hiring a professional to tackle the job for you or trying to clean them yourself. In most cases, a professional will eliminate the hassle and stress of a DIY approach while performing a more thorough job with specialized equipment. However, if you’re trying to save money, you can clean your ductwork by following some simple steps.


How to Clean Your Heating Ducts


Before you can begin the cleaning process, you’ll need to gather several materials, including:


  • A Heavy-Duty Vacuum, Such as a Shop Vac
  • Screwdriver
  • A Broom
  • A Stiff Bristle Brush

 

Once you have the correct supplies, you can start cleaning, using the following procedure as a guide:


  1. Turn off the power source connected to your heating and cooling system (NOTE: If you are unsure of how to do this step, it’s best to leave the job to an HVAC company).
  2. Using your screwdriver, unscrew the air duct covers from your floors or walls. Clean the grates thoroughly with your stiff bristle brush. If the grime or dust persists, soak the grates in warm soapy water.
  3. Using your shop vac, remove as much dirt as possible from the duct. A heavy-duty vacuum with a long hose is essential for reaching the crevices of your ductwork.
  4. Use your broom to clean all of the grilles in your ceiling. If they are very dusty or have not been cleaned in a while, protect yourself from allergens by using a dust mask.


While it’s possible to clean your ducts on your own, it’s best to seek help from a team of professional HVAC contractors. That way, you can ensure that your ductwork is cleaned thoroughly, and any existing HVAC issues are addressed.


Contact Smith & Company HVAC for Central Heating Repair Services


If your HVAC system isn’t operating at its best, it may be time to schedule residential HVAC repair. Smith & Company HVAC proudly provides the best residential HVAC services in Pasadena, MD, Crownsville, MD, and the surrounding areas.

 

Call Smith & Company HVAC for trusted professional HVAC repair services at 410-874-0766.

 

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Air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require routine maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A common issue homeowners face is a leaky air conditioner, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Some are easily fixable, but others require an AC repair company. Regardless of the reason for the leakage, it is important to address the issue sooner rather than later to avoid more irreparable damage. The first thing to look out for is frozen evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is a long-finned coil that links the unit to the output point. If the coil is frozen, turn off the unit immediately to avoid system failure. The ice covering the coil will cause the system to work overtime and possibly bottom out. The water leaking is caused by the ice melting after freezing on the coil. The next step will be to call an air conditioning repair company and contract an HVAC professional who can diagnose the cause of the frozen coil and replace it if needed. A clogged air filter likely caused the coil to freeze over. If the coil is not frozen, it is still good practice to turn off the unit to prevent any further water damage caused by the leak. Other reasons for a leaking AC system include: Dirty Coils The coils inside of the air conditioner unit can become dirty without proper cleaning. This layer of grime and dust can cause the normally occurring condensation on the evaporator coil to not flow down the coils and into the drip pan. Since that dirt is impeding the flow of moisture, it is forced to drip on the floor. This is an easy fix and does not require air conditioning services from an HVAC professional. Simply clean the coils on the inside of the unit. Damaged Insulation The insulation around the coils in the interior of the unit might be damaged, resulting in a leak. If the insulation is damaged, the condensation will drip from the coil instead of flowing down the coil as it should. If this is the case, you will need HVAC repair services to fix the damaged insulation or install new insulation. Clogged Trap or Drain Line A clogged drain line or trap is caused by dirt build-up and the lack of routine maintenance of your air conditioning unit. The condensation carried down the coils can bring dirt and debris that then clog the drain line or trap. When the drain line clogs, it doesn't allow for normal draining and creates a drip. This requires a thorough cleaning of the drain line or trap and shouldn’t require an HVAC professional. Detached Drain Line  This issue usually occurs from poor AC unit installation practices. If the drain line that drains the condensation created is not properly connected, it will leak. Although the mess may be big, the fix is easy. You’ll need to call an air conditioning service company to reinstall the drain line. Searching for the “Best HVAC Company Near Me?” Smith & Co Is Here to Answer the Call! Routine maintenance of your air conditioner system is vital to keeping the system running smoothly without leaks. Failure to keep the unit clean will cause dirt build-up, requiring the system to work overtime to keep the air cool. This creates wear and tear on the unit, and you might have to repair the system more often or even replace the system altogether. At Smith & Company HVAC, we understand that AC unit leaks can be frustrating. Don’t hesitate to reach out and have an experienced HVAC professional fix any leak issues.
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