Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

During hot weather, your air conditioner gets lots of use as you try to maintain ambient temperatures in the house. The same degree of use puts the equipment at risk of gathering unwanted materials such as pet fur, hair, lint and dust. These obstructions obscure the smooth flow of air from the air conditioning unit into your house and vice versa. You need to have a regular cleaning schedule that will remove the obstructions during such times and ensure that you optimise the proper functioning of your air conditioning unit. The ductwork is an excellent place to start when you want to clean your HVAC system. Here is a guide and some useful tips that you need for this process:

Prioritise Safety

There is a high likelihood of finding mildew and mould on the ductwork of your HVAC system. The consistent exposure to moisture and cold temperature create perfect conditions for the mould and mildew. You need to wear protective gloves and face masks to ensure that you do not inhale any airborne mould or get it all over your hands. Additionally, make sure you are using the right set of screwdrivers to remove the grills covering the ductwork of your HVAC system.

Start with the Grille

The grille is the first culprit when it comes to trapping dust and other unwanted materials. Therefore, it makes sense to start your cleaning process with the grill. Dunk the grills into a bucket containing warm water and wipe them using a clean rag. It would help to introduce some dishwashing liquid into the mixture to get rid of greasy dirt. When done, let your grills dry in the open air.

Wash the Ductwork

Removing the grill will give you access to the ductwork, at least to some extent. Take a clean piece of cloth and soak it in warm water. Wring it out thoroughly so that there is very little water left within its fabric. Reach into the ductwork as far as possible and wipe down the ductwork by dragging the damp cloth towards you. Rinse the area after every stroke to guarantee that you are removing as much dirt as possible.

Vacuum the Ductwork

Attach a hose to your vacuum cleaner and turn it on. Shove the hose down the ductwork so that the vacuum cleaner can remove as much dirt as possible. It would also help if you located the elbows of the HVAC system in your basement or attic and unscrew them. This enables your vacuum cleaner's hose to reach even further.