Simple Tips to Clean Your Air Duct

While heating and air conditioning are a godsend during the hot summer and cold winter nights, they can become a nuisance when they spread a musty odor throughout your home. After a few hours, you may wonder, “Can I wash my air ducts? Well, you can simply use an air duct cleaning machine. However, it is not that affordable, so you should do simple tips to clean your air duct.

There are several reasons why musty odors can come from your air duct system. However, the most common cause of a musty odor in your air ducts is the presence of mold and mildew in your HVAC system. This guide will walk you through the process of finding out if you have mold in your air ducts and also everything you can do about it.

Clean the Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is a vital part of your air conditioner and the main component that cools your property. However, when it’s dirty, it becomes the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. Follow these instructions to wash it:

1. Prepare a 10% bleach water solution. This is enough to kill the mold without damaging the coil system. (Note: however, be sure to dilute the bleach with water, as it can attack the metal. Alternatively, you can use the typical coil cleaner available at most hardware stores).
2. Simply remove them to expose the metal fins of the condenser coils, as most central air components.
3. Alternate the coils and then wash them. Remove the trim tray and wash it as well.
4. Run it to see if this has eliminated the musty smell.

Unclog the Condensate Drain Line

If the drain line is clogged, water can back up from the bathtub, further increasing the possibility of mold. Fortunately, you can sometimes fix the problem by using a wet/dry vacuum to unclog the drain (and suck up any water that collects). However, if you can’t unclog the drain with your wet/dry vacuum, you will most likely need to hire a professional to do so.

Clean the Air Filter

The air filter can get so clogged up. It may be caused by debris that inhibits air from flowing through it. If your air filter looks particularly dirty, it’s probably a good idea to wash it. However, if thorough vacuuming and washing aren’t enough, you may want to replace the filter altogether.

Install Duct Filter Pads

If the odor is not coming from the air conditioner, it could be coming from any area of the duct system. However, you may not be able to determine the cause without the camera sniffer program.

1. Simply unscrew the duct connection plugs and place the filter mat on the grille.
2. Replace the cap and allow the filter mat to dull.

So, that’s it. I hope you can clean your air duct system using these tips.