Cleaning Air Ducts

September 18, 2025

One of the responsibilities of being a homeowner is to make sure all the major appliances are always in good, working order. Keeping household equipment clean and well-functioning not only extends their lives, but can actually help reduce the risk of fire.

Recently, I called in a team from The Butlers & Air Quality to service all the ductwork and HVAC systems in the buildings. According to The National Air Duct Cleaners Association, it is a good idea to have air ducts professionally examined and cleaned every three to five years - vents, and the air ducts behind them, attract dust, pet dander and a host of other particles that can affect the air quality in the home. This process can take several hours depending on the size of the structure, but it's a very important and necessary task.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

: When was the last time your HVAC system was checked? Do you know where it’s located in your home? In most homes, they are set up in either the attic or the basement. Here is a view of one in the attic of my guest house studio building.

: The Butlers & Air Quality in Yorktown Heights, New York, came out to the farm to service all the ducts and vents. This company is a family-owned and operated business that has been covering the area since 1982. I’ve been using this company for years.

: This is a portable diesel fuel air compressor, which provides high pressure clean air to help push the airflow toward the vacuum device.

: The vacuum collection device is used to gain airflow control in the ducts and then suction all the debris into its big tank.

: This is the opening of the collection filter, where any dust and debris from the ducts ends up. Take a close look at how clean it is now before the ducts are blown.

: The setup involves connecting a large suction hose from the air handler in the attic to the collection tank. A standard household vacuum isn’t powerful enough to clean deep into the crevices of the ducts, so it is always helpful to call in professional teams to do the job.

: Here is the hose connected into the unit.

: These air hoses run through the house from the outdoor air compressor.

: The Butlers & Air Quality team is very neat and tidy – towels are wrapped around the hoses at various points, so as not to mar any of the walls or floors.

: Moving blankets are also positioned in various areas to protect floors from moving equipment.

: Meanwhile, all the air vent covers are carefully removed.

: The air return covers are also taken down for the job.

: Some vent covers are located closer to the floor.

: The vents are inspected and wiped down, and any visible debris is directed toward the main duct area.

: The covers are temporarily replaced with pieces of cardboard to allow for stronger suction power.

: One by one, Hermes goes to each of the vent openings to snake the hose through and direct all the debris, so it can get picked up by the vacuum.

: Any debris blown goes through the large suction hose to the collection tank.

: This part of of the process takes two to three hours depending on the size of the home. It’s important to be thorough to get all the debris. Doing this regularly removes dust, dirt, and other pollutants that accumulate over time. It can greatly improve indoor air quality, reduce allergens and respiratory issues, and increase the HVAC efficiency.

: The outside vents are also all blown clean.

: Here, the vent covers are getting cleaned and wiped completely dry.

: This is an atomization machine filled with antimichrobial that is sprayed into the ductwork to kill any potential, bacteria, mold, or mildew.

: After each vent opening is cleaned and blown of debris, it is lightly sprayed with antimicrobial solution.

: Once the top floor is completed, the vacuum and hoses are moved down to the basement, where they can be used to clean the vents and ducts in the downstairs zone of this house.

: Hermes, who has been with the company for many years, opens the system’s air handler.

: The vacuum hose is connected to the supply plenum, an air-distribution box attached directly to the handler and all the equipment that heats or cools the house – it is the heart of the duct system.