Air duct cleaning?

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Sep 12, 2010 | 01:13 AM

jake00

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: NW burbs of chicago

Air duct cleaning?

Anyone ever get it done? is it worth it, or is it just smoke and mirrors? I've done several home remodeling (dry wall) projects, so I'm sure there' all sorts of goodies in my ducts...

Sep 12, 2010 | 06:27 AM

tseekins

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From: Maine, Virginia

I think if a person suspected that they had dirty air ducts, it would be a worth while expense. I'm pretty sure that a lot of folks aren't as religious about changing filters as they should be.

I have the permanent filters on my system. Multiple payers of fabric sandwiched between steel mess screens and housed in a steel frame. I clean them every 5-6 weeks and take them apart and clean them annually.

Sep 12, 2010 | 07:30 AM

macgiobuin

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From: Sewanee, Tennessee

I have had it done once. I think it was worth it....you would not believe how much crap 2 kids can throw down vents from birth to 15 years old!!! I will probably have it done again after another 15 years has passed.

Sep 12, 2010 | 09:47 AM

CretePumper

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Cambridge, Ontario

If you have AC and have been doing reno's, I would recommend it. Doesn't take much to plug up the evaporator coil in the plenum, which when it's plugged up causes a few issues like freezing up from obstructed air through the coil, along with getting high temps in the plenum that will trigger the high limit switch and shut down the furnace while in heat mode and will generally need to be serviced by a technician to rectify it. Needless to say it's a lot less expensive having the ducts cleaned and keeping filters maintained.

Sep 12, 2010 | 10:50 AM

Charlie Bravo

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Joined: Oct 2007

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From: PA

How we used to do it before specialized air duct cleaners. Tape filters over each supply register. Place filters at the return duct at the furnace. Turn the blower on high and beat on the ductwork. You could take off the end caps and use shop vac with multiple hoses for length. Best, CB

Sep 12, 2010 | 06:47 PM

ArdWrknTrk

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Joined: Jan 2008

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From: EXTREME southwest CT

Even though we cover all returns with a furnace filter before starting a job it's not uncommon for us to have the ducts cleaned and sealed on a reno.
Often it's new owners, sometimes the same, but no one is going to take responsibility for the years of accumulated dust and crap in the ductwork before we got there.

I've never had a home with forced air heat, so I can't speak for the long term benefits.