Air ducts are hollow tubes made of sheet metal that carry heated or cooled air around a building. Vents regulate temperature in rooms, but leaky ducts waste energy and can cause respiratory problems. Regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended, and professionals can be hired for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
An air duct is a square or round hollow duct or tube usually made of sheet metal. The purpose of an air duct is to carry cold or heated air around the rooms. Ducts are usually part of a home or building’s air conditioning and ventilation systems.
The main source of heating and cooling in the building is connected to the air ducts. This source of cooling or heating produces thermal energy. The energy is pushed up through the air ducts and carried elsewhere in the building due to the pressure.
As air is driven through ducts, vents are strategically placed in rooms that require heating or cooling. Hot or cold air carried through the air duct leaves these vents, providing temperature regulation in the room. In many cases, vents can be opened or closed at will to determine whether air will leave the air duct or continue through the ducts.
Air ducts can be subject to several problems. Since the ducts are placed off-site in walls or along the ceiling, maintenance can be difficult. Many often forget to do proper maintenance as well, causing potential long-term problems.
A leaky air duct, where the connections between the ducts themselves or between the ducts and the heater are not secure, can result in a huge waste of energy. Pipes can also leak due to natural wear. Poor installation and design can also cause leaky ducts.
Most builders and HVAC technicians recommend periodic cleaning of the air ducts. Mold, dust, and bacteria buildup in air ducts can cause allergies and other respiratory problems. Proper maintenance of air ducts requires checking to ensure that the ducts are clean and unobstructed and removing accumulated dust from the vents and grilles where the air ducts release air.
It’s a relatively simple process to clean an air duct. The first step in the cleaning process is to remove the vent covers using a screwdriver. If present, also remove the air filters.
Flush and clean the inside of the duct, including the walls and ceiling. Next, vacuum the vents and air ducts as much as possible. Before cleaning the air ducts, first attach the vacuum cleaner hose to the machine.
If dusty or dirty, the air filters may also need to be replaced. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the vent covers and to remove the buildup of dust particles trapped inside them. Change the air filters every month to keep the air circulation clean.
Homeowners can also hire a professional duct cleaning service team who will clean the air ducts and vents and get rid of visible pests, mold and dust. Professional air duct cleaners will also inspect and clean the entire cooling and heating system, including the fans, registers, coils, ducts, and coils. This process can keep your heating and cooling system in good working order.
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