Do You Need to Vacuum Central Air Ducts That Run Overhead?

Vent Dust

• Because the overhead vents run level throughout portions of your home, dust can settle on these upper sections of duct work. The fans in your AC unit and furnace will blow the dust up far enough to reach these vents. This dust can pile up over time; and before long, it can become a hospitable environment for mold and mildew. Mold can then easily release spores that can reach the rest of the house.

Vacuuming with Extensions

• If you choose to vacuum the air ducts in your home, use duct tape to secure the hose attachment to the vacuum base. This way you will not lose the cleaning attachment within the duct work. If you have a long attachment equipped with a brush at the end, use the brush to help wipe off the dust, especially on the bottom and walls of the ducts. Use a cloth for areas within arm's reach.

Professional Services

• If you aren't enthusiastic about climbing up to your overhead vents and cleaning them out yourself, you can hire a professional air duct cleaning service to do the work for you. These technicians have specialized tools to vacuum out vents, including extensions with brushes on all sides that run along the inside of the vent space for a thorough cleaning.

Cleaning the HVAC System

• While you are vacuuming, pay attention to your air conditioner and furnace as well. These are important parts of your system and also need to be cleaned. By vacuuming off the evaporator coils, fan blades and other inner surfaces of these units, you can help prevent problems and stop dust before it ever rises into the duct work.