What Do I Need To Do Before Air Duct Cleaning?
You’ve booked your air duct cleaning. Great move. The dust, pollen, pet hair, and who-knows-what-else that’s been sitting in your air vents is about to be cleared out. That means cleaner air, better airflow, and less gunk blowing around whenever your system kicks on.
At One Hour Magic, we’ve cleaned thousands of duct systems, and here’s what we always tell our customers: a little prep goes a long way. You don’t need to flip your house upside down, but a few simple steps can make the whole process quicker and smoother.
How to Get Your House Ready for Air Duct Cleaning
1. Clear the Access Areas
We need to reach all your supply and return vents and the main system.
That means:
- Moving furniture, rugs, or boxes that block vents
- Clearing access to your furnace or air handler
- Making sure we can get into crawl spaces or attics if needed
You don’t have to empty the room, just give us a straight path. If we can’t reach it, we can’t clean it.
2. Secure Pets
We love animals—but vacuums, long hoses, and unfamiliar people in the house can stress them out. Put dogs in a back room or crate. Cats should stay in a closed bedroom. Birds and small pets should be kept away from the noise.
This keeps them safe and helps us focus on the job.
3. Do a Quick Clean-Up
We’re not judging your housekeeping. But loose items near vents—shoes, toys, papers—can slow things down or get dusty when the system kicks on. A quick sweep through high-traffic areas helps us move faster and protects your stuff.
4. Plan for Access to Every Room
We’ll be in and out of most rooms to clean vents. If doors stick or rooms are usually locked, make sure we can get in. If anyone in the house works from home or needs quiet, let us know ahead of time. We’ll do our best to start in that area first.
5. Ask Questions Beforehand
Wondering if your HVAC filter needs to be changed? Shoot us a message or ask when we arrive. We’re happy to walk you through everything before we start.
When to Call for Professional Help
If you’re not sure whether you even need air duct cleaning, here’s when to give us a call at One Hour Magic:
- You see dust blowing out of vents when your system runs
- Your allergies get worse indoors
- Your home smells musty
- You just moved into a house and don’t know the duct history
- You’ve done renovations and drywall dust is everywhere
- You haven’t had your ducts cleaned in over 5 years
If your vents look like they’ve been used as storage for a dust bunny convention, it’s time. We’ll take a look and give you honest feedback.
What We Do During a Air Duct Cleaning
Step 1: Inspection and Setup
We walk the house with you, check your system, and set up protective gear. That means corner guards, floor covers, and plastic where needed.
Step 2: System Shut Down and Isolation
We turn off your HVAC and isolate each part of the duct system to keep the suction strong.
Step 3: High-Powered Vacuuming
Our machines pull out the debris while compressed air and agitation tools scrub the duct walls.
Step 4: Cleaning Vents and Returns
We remove and clean each register, then clean around the openings and reinstall everything.
Step 5: Final Check and System Restart
Once we’re done, we check airflow, replace filters if needed, and make sure everything is back in place.
FAQs
Do I need to leave the house during air duct cleaning?
Nope. You can stay home. Just know it’ll be a bit noisy.
How long does it take?
Most homes take 3–5 hours, depending on the size and number of vents.
Will it make a mess?
Not with us. We cover shoes, protect corners, and vacuum as we go. You’ll probably see less dust afterward—not more.
How often should I get air duct cleaning done?
Every 3–5 years is a good rule. If you have pets, allergies, or an older home, you might need it more often.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
Getting your ducts cleaned shouldn’t feel like a hassle. At One Hour Magic, we make it simple and clean up after ourselves. If you’re noticing more dust or feeling like your system isn’t pulling its weight, give us a call. We’ll clear the air and help your HVAC work better while we’re at it. Clear a little space, tuck the dog away, and we’ll handle the rest. It’s that easy.
