Clean air conditioning ducts are necessary to get the best out of your unit, especially during warm summer months. Clean ducts also means there is less dust in the air dust that can trigger or worsen allergy symptoms and asthma. Most air conditioning ducts are made with aluminum. They are designed to prevent particle buildup but there are problem areas around vents and filters. These parts need to be cleaned on a regular basis, especially when you have pets or if there is a smoker in the family.
Here are the things you'll need when cleaning your air conditioning duct:
Five star mild acid cleaner.
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
A Phillips head screwdriver.
Begin your duct cleaning task by switching off your air conditioning unit. You can shut your unit down via the thermostat control or the breaker box.
Next, using a spray bottle, apply a mild acid cleaner to the air conditioner coil. Use gloves and eye protection when applying the acid. Scrub off the dirt and dust using a small wire brush. Dust and dirt collect at corroded coils and get sent through the duct system. Keeping your air conditioner coils clean helps your unit work properly and keeps the ducts stay clean. Rinse the coil thoroughly with water to take out the acid.
Remove all vent covers in the house using a screwdriver. Soak them in warm bleach for a few minutes to loosen dirt and dust that got stuck on them.
Buildups like dirt, hair and dust tend to collect close to the vent openings over time as air blows through the ducts. From the vent openings, reach as far into the ducts as possible with the help of a wet/dry vacuum hose. The flexible vacuum hose lets you get most of the buildup in the ducts.
Wet a sponge with warm, soapy water and scour all surfaces that you can reach through the vent opening to remove any remaining dust, pet hair or dander. Floor-vent areas can get really dirty so you might want to consider letting them soak in the soap for a few minutes. Do not forget to scrub the vent covers as well and let them soak for a few minutes.
Add a table spoon of liquid antibacterial soap to the already soaking vent covers and scrub using a sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Reattach each cover to their respective vents.
Replace your old air conditioner filter with a new one. It is a very cost efficient way to help keep you air conditioning ducts clean all year long. Replace the filter cover and switch you air conditioning unit back on.