How to Prepare for Air Duct Cleaning: A Simple Checklist
Preparation is light. Clear the area around vents and the furnace, keep pets and kids away from the work zone, make sure someone can let the crew in, and note any trouble spots. You do not need to vacuum, wipe down ducts, or leave the house.
The day-before checklist
Ten to fifteen minutes the day before saves time on the day. Walk the house with this list. To see what the crew will be doing, read what happens during air duct cleaning.
- Move furniture, toys, and rugs a few feet back from floor vents and wall registers.
- Clear a path to the furnace or air handler, whether it is in a basement, closet, or attic.
- Take fragile items off shelves and walls close to the vents.
- Note every room with odd airflow, a smell, or a vent that rattles, and tell the crew.
- Locate your thermostat and know how your system is controlled.
- Decide where pets will stay during the visit.
Also decide who will be home to approve the work and answer questions. Having one person who knows how the house is used makes the walk-through short and the result better.
Space and access
The crew needs room to set up a machine and reach the main duct line. In Philadelphia rowhomes and twins the mechanical area is often a tight basement corner, so even moving a few boxes can speed things up. We cover the Northeast; see air duct cleaning in Northeast Philadelphia. In older homes with finished basements, let us know in advance if the ductwork is behind a panel.
If any ducts are in a crawl space or attic, make sure the hatch isn't blocked. Mention it when you book so the crew brings what they need.
If your vents are in the floor, expect the crew to lift or remove covers, so check that nothing is stuck underneath. Small items like toys and coins tend to hide there.
A quick photo of the furnace or air handler and any hard-to-reach vents is a useful extra. Keep it on your phone so you can describe the setup when you call or book, and show the crew on arrival.
People and pets
You can stay home. Many families do. Just keep children and pets out of the work area, because there is a running machine, hoses, and open ductwork. A dog that barks at strangers is happier in a closed bedroom or with a neighbor for the morning. If shedding is part of why you booked, our air ducts and pets guide is worth a read.
If someone in the household is sensitive to dust or noise, plan to spend part of the visit elsewhere. We don't give medical advice, but it is a sensible courtesy to yourself.
Birds, reptiles, and other small animals in cages should be moved to a room away from the work zone, since the machine is loud and air will move through the house.
What you do not need to do
Do not vacuum or wipe the inside of your ducts, spray anything into the vents, or remove registers yourself unless asked. Don't run the system just before the crew arrives. You don't have to clean the house first either; ask the crew how they protect floors near the work.
Do not feel you need to be an expert. A good crew explains what they found and what they are doing. The air duct cleaning page lists what a visit includes.
After the crew leaves
Walk through with the crew if possible. Check that vents are back in place, ask to see the finished work, and replace your furnace filter now, since a clean system deserves a fresh filter. Then put the furniture back and you are done.
If you noticed anything during the visit, such as a loose joint or a vent that still rattles, mention it before the crew leaves so it gets looked at while they are on site.
Quick answers
Do I have to leave the house during air duct cleaning?
No. You can stay home. Keep pets and children away from the machine and open ducts, and make sure someone is available to let the crew in and approve the finished work before they leave.
Should I clean the house before the crew arrives?
It isn't necessary. Ask the crew how they protect floors and furniture near the vents. Clearing space around registers and the furnace is the helpful part, and it matters far more than general tidying or vacuuming ahead of time.
Should I change my furnace filter before or after?
After is better. Put a fresh filter in once the ducts are cleaned so it starts catching dust on a clean system. Have a replacement of the correct size ready, and check the size printed on the old one.
Next step
Want a pro to look at your ducts? The estimate is free, and we will tell you plainly whether cleaning makes sense.
Air duct cleaning in towns we serve
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