HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR A DUCT CLEANING SERVICE!

Here are a Few Things You Need to do to Prepare for Your Air Duct Cleaning:

Treat your home like a pair of lungs; every duct and vent is
a passageway that helps it breathe. But over time, those lungs can become a bit congested, and dust, debris, pet dander, and who-knows-what-else settle in like uninvited houseguests. That’s where air duct cleaning steps in - the ultimate refresh button for your home’s airways. But before the crew arrives and the vacuum hoses are pulled out, you need to do a few things to prepare the stage for success. While preparing for your air duct cleaning isn’t rocket science, skipping one of these steps can throw a wrench into the works. Here’s an incisive, straight-from-the-source guide to preparing your home, with some pro tips.

1. Ensure Unobstructed Access to the Furnace Area

First things first, clear the area around your furnace. It’s like clearing a table before a meal; if there’s clutter in the way, nobody gets to eat. Technicians need space to work; if they’re stumbling over storage bins and old Christmas decorations. Avoid potential problems by doing a thorough clean around your furnace before the crew arrives.

2. Provide Clear Walkways Beneath Main Trunk Lines

Think of your home’s duct system as a roadmap. The rectangular ductwork along the ceiling is your main highway or trunk lines. This cleaning must go smoothly, meaning the crew can walk safely and freely in these areas. Boxes, bins, and stored attic overflow must be moved at least 3 feet away from these passages. Consider giving the cleaning crew a clear traffic lane, because those hoses don't handle bumper-to-bumper traffic all that well. Depending on the type of structure, attics and crawl spaces may require extra space to work correctly.

3. Safeguard Furnishings and Sensitive Items

When ductwork is cleaned, especially if it hasn’t been touched in years, it’s akin to shaking out an old rug; dust will surely be released. However, it is still impossible to eliminate all dust particles that escape into the air around the furnace or the basement, no matter how good the equipment and care provided. Take a few minutes to move or cover any furniture, electronics, or valuables in those areas. Better Safe Than Sorry, IAP (Indoor Air Professionals) cannot be held liable for dust that escapes due to loose ductwork, missing moldings, or improperly sealed registers. For finished basements, please cover any furnishings and valuables to protect them from dust.

4. Clear Space Around Supply and Return Registers

Your supply and return registers are the exit and entrance ramps of your home’s airflow highway. If furniture is blocking them, the crew will be unable to access these key points. To prevent disruption and delays, ensure that all furniture is at least 2 feet away from all registers. Consider it rolling out the welcome mat for the crew - open, unobstructed, and ready to go.

5. Maintain Driveway and Sidewalk Accessibility

Accessibility starts outside. The IAP truck should be able to park as close to your home’s main entrance as possible, because the equipment only extends so far. In winter, keep your driveway and any walkways leading to your door clear of snow and ice. Nobody wants to deal with slip-and-slide conditions while carrying heavy hoses. For safety and efficiency, a quick sweep or a sprinkle of salt in the winter can take you a long way.

6. Communicate Clearly Regarding Household Pets

We know pets are part of the family, but they don’t always like loud vacuums or strangers in their space. To ensure the cleaning process goes smoothly, please notify the IAP staff leader about any animals before the appointment starts. Also, push pet toys, food bowls, litter boxes, and cages to the outside of work areas. This helps alleviate your pets' stress and keeps the crew's workspace clean and distraction-free.

Preparation Is the Key to a Successful Cleaning

Cleaning your air ducts isn’t the most glamorous home improvement project, but you won’t regret it. It is similar to laying the groundwork before opening a highway, making sure that everyone can operate smoothly and efficiently. With some planning and a few simple changes, you’ll help ensure the cleaning is thorough, safe, and stress-free. When those vents shine, you’ll notice the difference in the air and your peace of mind.