How to Clean an Outside Fresh Air Intake

Keep outside air intake vents clean to allow fresh air circulation into furnace systems, wood stoves and appliances. Clean fresh air intake vents also help maintain interior air quality and support the function of heating and air conditioning systems. Set up a routine maintenance schedule to check the intake monthly.

Pruners
Flexible handle bottle brush
5-gallon bucket
Measuring cup
Bleach
Garden hose
Spray nozzle

Instructions

- 1
  Remove debris surrounding the fresh air intake. Cut back vegetation growing within two feet of the intake vent to allow uninhibited airflow.
- 2
  Insert a long-handled, flexible bottlebrush under the intake vent cover. Twist the brush and pull it back out to dislodge cobwebs and small debris. Repeatedly insert, twist and withdraw the bottlebrush around the perimeter of the vent cover.
- 3
  Fill a 5-gallon bucket half-full with hot water. Add one cup of bleach. Dip the bottle brush into the solution and scrub the vent, dipping into the bleach solution frequently. Press and twist the brush against both the intake vent and the vent cover.
- 4
  Spray the surface all around the air intake vent with a garden spray nozzle attached to a hose; avoid spraying directly into the vent. Remove the bleach and debris residue with water.

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