What do I Need To Do Before Air Duct Cleaning?
At Total Air and Heat, we know how life goes. You vacuum the floors, dust the blinds, maybe even clean out the fridge—then forget about what’s hiding in your ductwork. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
But those air ducts? They carry every breath of air you and your family take inside your home. So when it’s time for air duct cleaning, you want it done right. And it starts with getting your space ready. Let’s walk through what you can do before our Eagle-Eyed Techs roll up.
Step-by-Step: How to Prep Your Home for Duct Cleaning
Clear the Way
We need access to every vent and return in your home.
That means:
- Move furniture, rugs, or large décor pieces away from vents.
- Clear space around your HVAC unit, especially if it’s tucked into a closet or garage.
Give us room to work, and we’ll get the job done faster—and cleaner.
Secure Your Pets
We love pets. Our techs are animal people through and through. But cleaning ducts means open doors, vacuum hoses, and noise.
To keep your pets safe and calm, we suggest:
- Crating them.
- Keeping them in a closed room.
- Having a friend or neighbor watch them for a few hours.
Fewer distractions means better work. And no one wants a cat in the ducts.
Do a Quick Dusting
You don’t have to deep clean the house, but giving your furniture and surfaces a quick wipe before we arrive helps. Our equipment will stir up some dust—even with vacuums going full blast—so it’s good to minimize loose particles beforehand.
Point Out Trouble Spots
Are you smelling something weird from one vent? Allergies acting up in a certain room? Let us know. That info helps us track down problems like mold, blockages, or buildup that a basic cleaning might miss.
What Happens During the Cleaning
We don’t just blow air through your vents and call it a day.
Here’s what our crew does during an air duct cleaning:
- Inspect the System: We check your ductwork for buildup, damage, or leaks.
- Protect Your Home: We cover floors and nearby furniture and wear shoe covers indoors.
- Dislodge Debris: Using rotating brushes and high-pressure air tools, we break up dust, dander, and contaminants inside the ducts.
- Powerful Vacuuming: Our truck-mounted vacuums pull debris out of the ducts and into a containment unit.
- Clean Registers and Grilles: We remove and wash the covers before putting everything back in place.
- Final Inspection: We walk the system one last time to confirm it’s clean and airflow is strong.
At Total Air and Heat, our only way is all the way—no half-jobs, no shortcuts.
When to Call in the Pros
Some folks wait too long before cleaning their ducts.
If you’re seeing—or smelling—any of these, don’t wait:
- Dust buildup on vents or registers.
- Musty or foul odors when the HVAC runs.
- Visible mold inside duct openings.
- Recent home renovations that created sawdust, drywall dust, or debris.
- Rodent or insect infestations.
- Unexplained allergy flare-ups.
- Pets that shed year-round.
- Years since your last cleaning (if ever).
We’re your trusted next-door neighbor for 65 years, and we don’t believe in band-aid fixes. If something’s off, we’ll find it.
Bonus Tip: Pair It with a Tip Top Tuneup
Duct cleaning works best when your HVAC system is running clean and strong. If your unit hasn’t had its annual service, ask about our Tip Top Tuneup.
We’ll clean coils, check refrigerant levels, flush the drain line, and make sure the entire system runs like a champ.
FAQ
How long does duct cleaning take?
Most jobs take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of your home and how dirty the system is.
Will my house be a mess afterward?
Nope. We use containment systems and protective coverings. You might see a little dust during the process, but we clean up after ourselves.
Do I have to leave the house?
Not at all. You’re welcome to stay. Just know that we’ll be moving around with hoses and equipment, and there might be some noise.
How often should I clean my ducts?
Every 3 to 5 years is a good rule of thumb—more often if you have allergies, pets, or recent construction.
Can duct cleaning help with allergies?
Absolutely. Removing dust, pollen, and dander from the ducts cuts down on airborne allergens and helps you breathe easier.
Let’s Get You Set Up
We’re not just a service call—we’re a handshake, a promise, and a job done right. Call Total Air and Heat today, and let’s get your ducts spotless and your air fresh. We’re not comfortable until you are.
