Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Prices, selection and item numbers may vary by location.

How Do My Air Ducts Work?

A silver tube air duct with vent by a white brick wall.

The HVAC system in your home has a system of ductwork that goes to almost every room in your home. These ducts transfer conditioned air from the main unit to vents located in rooms. These can be located in the walls, ceilings or floors. Ducts are in two basic types, return and supply. The supply ducts will stream heated or cooled air to rooms and the return ducts will take air back out and back to the main HVAC unit.

It may be a good idea to have a professional inspection and test of your ductwork to see if cleaning is necessary. The results can tell if you can undertake a DIY cleaning of the air ducts, or a more professional cleaning is needed.

Shop Duct Cleaning Kits Shop Registers and Grilles

When Should I Clean the Air Ducts?

An open H V A C floor vent showing dirt and lint.

Just as your HVAC system receives a twice-yearly checkup, a duct vent cleaning can be scheduled along that same time. Switching over from heat to cooling in the spring and then back again in the fall, cleaning the ducts will be beneficial for healthy air quality and helping your system run efficiently.

If you have never had your ducts professionally cleaned, it is recommended to have this service done before a DIY duct cleaning is done. Also, an annual professional cleaning will make your DIY cleaning easier.

What Equipment Do I Need to Clean My Ducts?

A man on a ladder in a living room cleaning a H V A C duct with a red vacuum hose.

If you have decided to do a DIY duct cleaning, it is important to have all of the proper and necessary tools and materials to do the job. See our list above for what you should have to tackle this project.

How to Clean Your Air Ducts

A man using a cordless drill to remove a white vent cover from the wall.

Use your screwdriver to remove the covers on your supply and return vents. If the vents don’t come off easily, use the flathead screwdriver to pry the covers towards you. Be careful as to not tug or pull on the vent grates as they can easily bend and cause the cover to warp. The floor vents should easily lift from their vent opening.

Once the cover have been removed, take a moment to wipe them down with a wet microfiber cloth. For stubborn dirt or stains, a little dish soap mixed with water can usually solve the issue.

Caution

If you see mold or have any concerns that mold may be present, stop immediately and call a professional. Mold and other vent issues will require specialized treatment to correct.

A man using a vacuum hose with nozzle to clean out an air duct.

Put on your protective gear. Attach the vacuum extension hose to your shop vacuum. Extend the hose into the ductwork as far as it will go. Turn on the vacuum and begin cleaning as your draw the hose towards you. Take your time as you vacuum, covering as much or the venting as possible. When you have finished vacuuming the vent, take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe as much of the duct opening as you can reach. Do this with each supply vent, then do the return vents.

Tip

To keep your nozzle from falling off and getting lost in your ductwork, use duct tape to secure it to the end of the extension hose.

When Should I Use Professional Duct Cleaners?

Professional air duct cleaners have both the equipment and knowledge to do an extensive and much more thorough cleaning of your HVAC ductwork. Typically this is done at the beginning of spring or fall.

There are other times that may call for a professional cleaning; after a major home remodel project, if mold or pests are suspected, and if you have never had a professional cleaning done before.

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HVAC