Your air ducts are your home’s main circulatory system. They control the comfort, air quality, and humidity of your entire home. They can transport fresh air and a cool breeze, or seasonal allergens and a musty stench. And yet, most homeowners hardly give the health of their ducts—or just what they’re circulating—a second thought!

You change your air filter regularly. But when was the last time you gave your ducts a good dusting?

Why is cleaning out your ductwork worth the work?

Incorporating vacuuming out your air ducts into your spring-cleaning routine gives you fresher air all year.

Over time, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other particles can accumulate in your HVAC ducts where they slowly circulate throughout your entire home. They’re dirty, dusty, and threaten to clog every filter they pass through. A good rule of thumb is if your vents are dirty or grimy, your ducts likely look the same inside the duct system. But cleaning your ductwork helps to cut down on the pesky pollutants—so you can breathe easy!

Dirty ductwork can also force your HVAC system to work harder in summer and winter. That adds up to higher energy bills, more HVAC maintenance, and a shorter system lifespan.

And there’s one more great reason to add ductwork to your tidy to-do’s this spring. A clean HVAC system can distribute cool and warm air more evenly throughout your home without dustbunnies and dander slowing down your airflow. That means a crisper summer and a cozier winter, all without touching your thermostat!

How to clean your home’s HVAC ductwork

To clean out your ductwork, you’ll need a few supplies, including a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment, a mask and safety glasses, a soft-bristled brush, a damp cloth, and a screwdriver or pair of pliers.

Here’s how to vacuum your ventilation:

1. Shut off your HVAC system.

2. Remove your vent covers. Grab your screwdriver or pliers to pull the covers off your vents, then give them a good wipe-down with the soft-bristled brush.

3. Vacuum your ducts. Using the long hose attachment, suck up the dirt, dust, and debris caught in your ducts. Be sure to have your mask and safety glasses on for this step. It can get messy!

4. Reattach your vent covers.

5. Flip your HVAC back on. And enjoy the crisp, clean air quality!

Dust-free ductwork takes a bit of effort, but we believe it’s a chore worth the work—for the health of your family, the longevity of your system, and the comfort of your home.

Don’t have time to DIY your ductwork? Just Call Burton!

Clearing the junk and gunk out of your ductwork, especially if your system is more than a few years old, can be a difficult job. Not only is the majority of your duct system hard to reach, it’s easy to damage your ducts with an over-enthusiastic vacuum wand.

At Burton, we offer both comprehensive HVAC cleaning and ductwork services, and our best-value annual preventative maintenance special for homeowners who care about their air. Our cleaning service will instantly improve your indoor air quality, and our tune-up will keep your system operating at its best for longer.

To schedule your HVAC duct cleaning or annual maintenance, give us a call at (402) 343-0011 or send us a message. We’re on call and ready to serve 24/7 all summer!