How to Prepare for Air Duct Cleaning in Your Home

Regular professional duct cleaning protects your HVAC from dirt and dust buildup. Most Naples homes benefit from a cleaning every two to three years, though some emergencies warrant an immediate appointment. If there’s a visual buildup of dust or mold in your ducts, or you know the space is infested with vermin, it’s time to call in the pros.

Whether for your regular cleanings or a special case, here’s what to expect from duct cleaning.

Preparing the Space Before the Technician Arrives

Taking time before your appointment to arrange the house can make the whole cleaning process go smoothly. Here’s how to get your home ready for an air duct cleaning.

Clear around vents. Ensure all the vents and air duct access panels are clutter-free and not blocked by furniture. The technician needs access to these points to connect their equipment and pull the dust, dirt, and air pollutants out of the ducts.
Make sure the furnace and AC units are accessible. You can combine furnace or air conditioner maintenance with your air duct cleaning. If you choose to have these units cleaned, move any clutter or furniture, so your technician has easy access to the unit.
Plan what to do with pets during duct cleaning. The cleaning process requires technicians to move between rooms and occasionally prop open doors to areas where they need to work. If you have free-roaming pets in the house, you may want to keep them in an enclosed lawn space or at a pet daycare during the duct cleaning.
Decide who wants to get out of the house. You can feel free to stick around to watch the process. But duct cleaning can get moderately loud, and we’ll turn off the AC or furnace throughout the cleaning. Most of the family might want to head out for a few hours, especially if you have kids sensitive to sound or prefer to keep your family in a comfortable temperature. We ask that one adult remains behind to answer any questions the technician might have.

What to Expect During the Duct Cleaning Process

What are the things you should know beforehand about having your ducts cleaned? These are a few questions to ask that will help you understand what to expect.

How long does air duct cleaning last? It varies depending on how extensive the ductwork is and how long it’s been since the last cleaning. On average, cleaning the ductwork takes 2–4 hours, but larger homes or complicated ductwork may take longer.
Is air duct cleaning loud? Professionals use vacuums and air compressors to clear out the ducts. So, it will be moderately loud and sound like a vacuum running throughout your house.
Does air duct cleaning make a mess? If done incorrectly, duct cleaning can spill pollutants from your ducts and into your home. However, a certified professional will have the necessary skill and equipment to make duct cleaning simple and harmless to your home. This includes taking protective measures to lay drop cloths to protect your floor and furniture from heavy equipment.

Air Duct Cleaning and Allergies: How Does Cleaning Help?

If you have allergies, you know that plenty of airborne contaminants can make them worse. Dirty ducts sometimes spread around the very things making your allergies act up. Pet dander and dust are some of the biggest culprits, and they can blow throughout your home via your HVAC. That’s why, in extreme cases, a duct cleaning can help reduce symptoms of allergies. If your ducts are dirty enough to blow dust, they’re probably contributing to your stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing. Once your ducts have been cleaned professionally, you could see a dramatic reduction in your allergy symptoms at home!

Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning in Naples

Air ducts should be cleaned once every two to three years to minimize pollutant buildup and keep air flowing smoothly. If your home needs duct cleaning, contact our One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating professionals servicing Naples at (239) 237-3360 or book an appointment online.