In Australia, the winter months may not be notorious for their cold temperatures, but it’s during this time that we often turn to all sources of heat within our homes and so need air duct cleaning. Whether you have an active fireplace, or a portable furnace – the chances are that it will need consistent cleaning more than ever during this period. Cleaning out the duct is often overlooked in favour of other tasks relating to your heat source itself, but the fact is that an unclean duct can lead to chemical build ups, blockages, and even rust over time.
It’s not always easy to access a duct, especially if they run internally and up towards the roof. But as most debris will gather towards the bottom of the duct, there’s really no reason why you couldn’t reach inside and give it a good clean. There’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Sydney cleaning specialists UrbanYou know the right way, and the wrong way is to put yourself at risk of injury but not handling the process correctly when you are doing air duct cleaning
Gaining Access to a Duct
Most ducts will be placed above the source of heat, and it’s very uncommon to find a lower-level duct within modern homes. In order to access your duct, you’ll typically need to move either the heat source, or at least find a way to get inside. The former is more common, and the latter applies to large furnaces and fireplaces.
The best method for cleaning a duct will depend on the material used in the construction. Most ducts are comprised of metal as is the case with homes in Edmonton Ab, whilst others consist of clay or ceramic. Cleaning metal with water is never advised, as it can often lead to rust. A better alternative would be to spray the surface area with polish, and then wipe it over with a soft cloth. If your duct is ceramic however, then you may want to mix up some soapy water and get to work. Remember that the closer the duct is to the source of heat, the more likely it will be to suffer with debris build up. The middle of the duct is often clearer, and towards the end, where the heat will exit – you can expect a build-up of debris and grease again.
There may be times where your duct is sealed within an outer housing. When this is the case, you may want to clean the housing too, as this can often show the signs of debris. If your ducts aren’t actually connected to a source of heat, then their use may relate a little more to airflow. It’s not impossible for these types of ducts to become cluttered and blocked – especially if they are exposed to the elements, so it’s always a good idea to check them from time to time to gauge whether or not they could do with a clean.