How do I clean my duct work?
by
Dianne
+2
We live on a 2 story slab home. The heating and air ducks run in the ceiling of the 1st floor (AKA the floor of the second floor). I just noticed gunky dirt around one of the vents, so I guess we need the whole system cleaned. And I am guessing I need to use a professional? The house is 40 years old and it has never been done. But I am afraid if there are any holes in the vents, cleaning them will make them worse and we will loose more heat/air? Advice please.
You truly need professionals to do this. They have the equipment and they run cameras into the vents to see if there are in breaks in the duct work. A 40 year old home definitely needs this done.
there is no easy way to do this..online instructions are out there..i looked it up 2 months ago as i have the same problem as you have..i have a 12 gallon wet/dry vacuum with a lot of extra connections that i am going to try before i call for help..
Read this first.
https://www.todayshomeowner.com/hvac-duct-cleaning-scam-or-worth-it/
How to hire a contractor.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor
Certainly get an inspection to make sure things are in top shape. An honest HVAC service will not try and upsell you services you don't need.
Found a great guy who explained everything. Very pleased and excited. Angie's List hit the nail on the head again!
Duct cleaning is a SCAM and a RIPOFF. The only time to clean ductwork is if there was a major remodel where the vents weren't covered by the contractor. Gets the contractor in the door to "find" other problems. The dust accumulation on the vents is all that needs to be cleaned. Been in the HVAC business for a long time and heard bragging stories how contractors ripped people off with other "services" once in the door. Just like the mailers people get to service their AC for the summer or furnace for the winter at low price. Replace you furnace/blower filter once a month an your fine. Have a mortgage payment....replace your filter. Spend your hard earned money on a backsplash, paint, or any other remodel.