Power Vacuum/Air Sweep Method

• This is the most expensive method, yet the most thorough. However, because it does such a good job "sucking" out the dirt, the power of the vacuum has been known to cause damage that may result in a need for duct repair. The vacuum hose is installed into one section of the ductwork. It may seem like the vacuum power would not be as strong in more distant duct areas, but by installing the vacuum into the duct, an even draw throughout the entire ductwork system is created. With the vacuum on, mechanical brushes are sent through the ducts to dislodge and push any large debris toward the vacuum. Then, compressed air is pumped through the ducts removing any dust left behind by the brushes. Finally, if needed, other various kinds of brushes are used to remove anything that could have possibly held on during the previous steps.
  
  

Contact Cleaning Method

• Though not as thorough as the power vacuum method, the contact cleaning method is much more affordable and safer on your ducts and vents. What looks like a large work vacuum with an extensive amount of tubes and attachments is the tool of choice; however, most of the work is done by the person cleaning the ducts. Rather than hooking the vacuum up to the duct and letting the vacuum do the job, the vents are removed and the duct cleaner, using a variety of extending hoses, cleans the ducts using a spinning brush attachment. The disadvantage is that if you hire a less-than-committed company, the ducts are only cleaned as far back as the person can reach. However, if you shop around and find one with a good reputation, your ducts will receive a thorough cleaning without the risk of damaged ducts. A good way to determine the quality of a company is by finding out how many people will be sent on the job and how long the process should take. Some companies will only spend one to two hours, when really what you want is a company that will work between four to eight hours.
  
  

General Tips

• Some companies recommend that you have a chemical sealant applied to the inside of your ducts to prevent bacteria and mold from growing inside your ducts. However, there has not been enough research to prove that the sealant actually works in addition to whether or not the chemical causes any negative health effects.