Can I Be Home During AC Duct Cleaning?
You’ve got your AC duct cleaning on the calendar and now you’re wondering—do you need to leave the house? Is it going to be loud, dusty, or disruptive?
Here at One Hour Magic, we get this question all the time. And the honest answer? You don’t have to leave. Most people stay home during the cleaning. That said, there are a few things to think about to make sure you’re comfortable while we get the job done.
What It’s Like While We’re Cleaning
AC Duct cleaning involves heavy-duty vacuums, long hoses, compressed air, and sometimes motorized brushes. It’s a little noisy, but we do our best to work around your space and keep the disruption to a minimum. You’ll hear the machines kick on, and you’ll see us moving from vent to vent.
We cover floors, wear shoe protectors, and lay down corner guards to protect your walls and baseboards. We’ve cleaned homes with kids napping, dogs barking, and people working from the kitchen table. It’s not silent—but it’s manageable.
If you work from home or need quiet, you might want to move to a back room or step out for part of the visit. But the process is safe to stay through.
When It Makes Sense to Step Out
There are a few cases where stepping out for a while might make more sense:
- You have small children or pets who are sensitive to noise or commotion
- You’re highly sensitive to dust or allergens, even with containment in place
- You just don’t want to be around during the process and would rather come back to a cleaner home
We get it. Some folks prefer to come back once it’s all done. That’s totally fine. Just give us access and we’ll take care of the rest.
When to Call One Hour Magic
Give us a call if:
- You see dust blowing out of vents
- Your allergies get worse inside
- Your home smells musty
- You’ve never had your ducts cleaned
- You’ve just finished construction or renovation
- You’re moving into a new house and want a fresh start
We’ll walk you through the timing, pricing, and prep—no guesswork.
What We Do During AC Duct Cleaning
1. Set Up and Protect
We walk through the home, cover the floors, protect corners, and prepare the system. We’ll explain what we’re doing and answer any last-minute questions.
2. Shut Down HVAC and Isolate Sections
We shut off your system to keep dust from blowing around and use tools to isolate the sections we’re cleaning.
3. Deep Clean Ducts
We hook up our high-powered vacuums and use compressed air and tools to knock debris loose. Then we suck it all out. No mess left behind.
4. Clean Vents and Grilles
We remove, clean, and replace your vents and grilles. We’ll also check for signs of mold or pests.
5. Wrap Up and Restart
We turn your system back on, check airflow, and make sure everything’s back in place.
FAQs
Will it be loud?
It’s louder than a regular vacuum, but not overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to noise, you might want earplugs or to step into another room.
Is it safe to stay home?
Yes. We contain the dust and use HEPA filters on our equipment. The air should actually be cleaner when we’re done.
Do I need to move furniture?
Only if it’s blocking a vent. We’ll let you know ahead of time which areas need to be cleared.
Can I cook, work, or watch TV while you’re here?
Absolutely. We’ll work around your routine as much as possible. Just expect a little background noise.
How long does it take?
Most cleanings take 3–5 hours, depending on the size of your home and how many vents you have.
Stay or Step Out—Either Way, We’ve Got It
You don’t have to leave your house during a AC duct cleaning, but you’re welcome to if it makes things easier for you. At One Hour Magic, we clean with care, protect your space, and make the process simple from start to finish.
Whether you stay home in your slippers or head out for lunch while we work, we’ll get your ducts clean, your air fresher, and your system running better. Give us a call and let’s get you scheduled. We’ll take care of the rest.
