So, you need to take the same care with keeping the evaporator coil clean. Our air conditioning maintenance includes a thorough cleaning of both your condensate drain and evaporator coil, both of which are essential for keeping your HVAC system germ free. A dehumidifier can reduce moisture in your home and prevent black mold growth. Considering how dry air keeps getting recycled again and again as it flows through your furnace, it can quickly be filled with germs. A shorter shower will decrease the humidity still left in your home’s atmosphere when you are done. Ask Your Own Appliance Question. Luckily, there are air filtration products designed for just these issues. Not only will they set up traps or spray chemicals to drive off or kill the pests, but they will discover the way by which the critters entered in the first place and ensure they no longer have a way to enter your home. Not only will a HEPA filter remove microbes such as the flu or cold virus, but it will also remove dust, mites, pollen and other allergens. Remember to protect yourself from inhaling the hydrogen peroxide while spraying since it’s very harmful to your health. That’s why you want to regularly use a shop vacuum and make sure the area around the furnace is as clean as possible. So, is it safe and effective to spray an air conditioner with a garden hose? They are available at most home improvement stores and can be easily found online. I definitely think its more of a problem now, since manufacturers now use styrofoam insulation inside of window units. This instructional guide offers the best ways to reduce home bacteria in your HVAC system. They are also far more energy-efficient than a fleet of single-room humidifiers. Thanks for the help However, as our reputation for peerless service and fair pricing grew, we expanded our service to include regular HVAC maintenance. Spray the Lysol Disinfection Spray into the air flow inlet 2 If a mildew smell is noticeable when you first … It is crucial that you avoid using Lysol as an HVAC system sanitizer. One of the trouble spots for germs in an AC unit is the condensate drain. Alternatively, if your air conditioner’s filter can be replaced, swap it out. There may not necessarily be a drip pan in your window air conditioner. Lysol has a high ethanol alcohol concentration, which means it is highly flammable. Though no one wants to open a window in summer or winter, it’s in the winter when the lack of humidity already makes the air conducive to infections like the flu. Shut the engine off, wait 20 minutes or so, and then repeat without spraying anything in, to purge the system. Our service includes a full-service cleaning, one of the most important actions you can take to combat germs in your HVAC system. Air conditioners recycle the air in the room to make it feel refreshing and cool. Not only are these critters a nuisance, but they can also bring disease. After you clean your air conditioner vents, inspect walls and insulation to find the source of the black mold infestation. Look for a filter that comes with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Back in 1903, UV light was used as a means of combatting the virus that causes tuberculosis. While ventilation can remove a large portion of that humidity, it won’t remove it all. Keeping a furnace clean is especially challenging in an older home with an unfinished basement. If you have window air conditioners, cleanliness is especially important. Start by using a screwdriver to unfasten the air duct covers and grilles. Wear long sleeves and pants and put on a high-efficiency dust mask to protect yourself from black mold spores. Even if it is warmer out than the temperature you would normally set on your thermostat, consider turning off the AC and opening a few windows. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system, creating a habitat for moisture-loving mold. While an invader might enter through a hole in your siding or be found in your cupboards, they can also make their invasion through your ductwork. Second is, the large volumes of air passing through the ducts. While many people use ventilation fans, they are often seen as a convenience to ensure the bathroom mirror isn’t fogged over after they step out of the shower. The long answer is a bit more complicated. After 15 minutes, rinse and allow the filter and vent cover to air-dry. A dusty and dirty HVAC system is more susceptible to germs and other pollutants. If the filter is specifically designed for your unit, please identify it. Lastly, be sure to swab the insides of the ducts with a brush to eliminate mold and mildew. One way to control humidity is to ventilate the air when you are creating steam in your home. If you have any questions just reply back to me. As CNN points out, humidity levels in the winter in America can often drop as low as 10%, the same humidity levels in the Sahara Desert. That’s why so many people install portable humidifiers in their bedrooms every winter, but increasing humidity could also serve as your first line of defense against the flu. Lysol has other ingredients that's aren't healthy to inhale. Typically, these units are placed at a slight angle outward to allow the condensation to run off outside the house. air conditioning. Does Mold on Attic Sheathing Have to Be Removed? Although most Americans are unaware of the power of ultraviolet (UV) light for the purposes of combatting airborne germs, there is a long history to this approach. Filtration especially requires regular maintenance. Doctors and allergists prefer these as they are the most effective air purification tools available. A disinfected, clean air conditioner will allow for a fresher smell, safer environment, and will … Recently, when my family was sick with the flu, I went a bit crazy with the Lysol and sprayed some into the return vents. Very easy way to Clean a Window Air Conditioner without removing it. Luckily, cleaning your air conditioner isn't a complicated task. If the damage is being caused by an HVAC leak, then that also needs to be fixed right away or else the damage will just return. Everyone wants to be healthy and keep their family healthy. Mold and bacteria like damp environments. While the air filtering through your duct work doesn’t come into contact with the outdoor portion of your unit, it does come in contact with the indoor evaporator coil. An avid gardener, Evans has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Hampshire, a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, and a personal trainer certificate from American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Apply Lysol ® All-Purpose Cleaner to the coils on the back of the unit and scrub with a stiff brush. While a homeowner can certainly do some of this work on their own, completing the job is most easily done by a professional. How to Safely Clean Mold Off of a Ceiling, How to Get Rid of the Musty Smell When You Turn the Furnace On. Innovations in HVAC technology have made it easier and more energy-efficient to keep our homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, but that kind of environmental control comes at a cost. Wipe the blades and duct opening as thoroughly as possible with soapy water. These steps should go a long way toward eliminating the mildewy odor from your air conditioning system. All rights reserved. Luckily, you can also introduce UV technology into your HVAC system. Remember, these tools are highly-effective, but only if they are in peak operational condition. Open the windows to create ventilation after you finish cleaning the vents. Wash the air filter with a disinfecting cleaner like Lysol Power & Free ®. Remove the vent cover of a window air conditioner by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver or pressing in on pressure clips. To create the perfect balance, you want to be more aggressive than just plugging in a humidifier every night. It’s worth noting that moving air can make you more comfortable even at a higher temperature. The issue here is not all parts of the air conditioner needs water spraying. This tool will help you know the exact atmospheric humidity levels in your home. That means that as germs enter your home, they aren’t being removed. Musty smells are caused due to several factors and can be eliminated with … However, the type of UV light required for germ killing was expensive to produce, so it didn’t become a common feature outside of commercial applications. While it is more expensive than individual air filtration devices, it will save on energy and replacement costs in the long run. They are good for keeping mildew and germs from growing in the condensate, but really, if you clean the coil good and then spray it all down with lysol, that should be good enough for a few years. Wipe the blades, duct opening and the inside of the vent with a long, flexible mop soaked in the bleach solution. For example, leaky air conditioners and stagnant water can create mold issues while also serving as a breeding ground for bacteria. It's usually a good idea to replace your filters every three months or so to make sure they're successfully trapping particles and contaminants. Ionizing cleaners don’t work, she says. Spray the outside of the fins with a coil cleaner or detergent/water mixture and wait 5 minutes. This can lead to a quite intolerable situation, making your house seem gross and inhospitable. “I purchased an air cleaner strictly to operate when and if somebody in my household gets sick so we can reduce the viral load in my house air,” she says. Try to spray the foam or metal tray that the coil sits on, and be sure to spray and brush well the inside blower wheel that should be partly exposed from where the air comes out. During periods of increased airborne disease risk such as flu season, this work is especially important. Many centralized air filtration symptoms meet the same stringent requirements of hospital air filtration system. But, during the summer, venting the steam will keep your home more comfortable and healthy. Another contributing factor is the lack of humidity in the air. We will discuss the reasons why spraying water on your air condenser is critical. The first is a wand-like device that allows you to shine the disinfecting UV light on surfaces you want to address. That way, as air circulates throughout your home, you will simultaneously be sending the air through an effective disinfecting apparatus. Moreover, regular maintenance will also include system cleaning. Spray the blades and duct opening with water to prevent dry mold from escaping into the air. You may have even noticed it — a strange blue light in the corner of a restaurant kitchen as you were ordering your food is likely a germ-killing UV light. The company began as a heating oil company, committed to taking the hassle out of buying heating oil. Since the flu and other viruses survive more easily in low humidity environments, creating a more moderate humidity in your home can keep you and your family healthier. Window units pull outside air and push it through a refrigerator unit. Patches of drywall that have been damaged need to be removed. But all that is changing. Similar to portable humidifiers, single-room air purifiers can be purchased that greatly reduce the number of airborne particle and germs floating in your air. Knowing how to clean an air conditioner that sits in the window is just as money-saving as cleaning your own central air system. If you do see water damage being caused by your HVAC system — or anything else for that matter — get the damage repaired right away. Furthermore, if you have added central filtration or humidifiers, you also have more moving parts to be addressed. Not only does a summer cross-breeze in your home work like a fan, but it also helps reduce humidity, making your home feel cooler. While you’re at it, consider taking a shorter shower. Allow the inside of the vent to dry thoroughly before reattaching the vent cover. In fact, there are some things you can do to reduce the potential for an airborne infection from being transmitted through your HVAC system. However, if you haven't given your air conditioner a thorough cleaning in a while, the appliance might blast a foul smell into your home along with the cool air. Set the bottle to "spray" when you are done. This is especially important in air conditioning units. A frequent spraying of Lysol on the air filter, discharge vent, and onto the coil behind the air filter will stop the mold, and also make the air smell nice. However, these components tend to collect excess dirt, dust and debris. A professional contractor should clean a contaminated area that is greater than 100 square feet, according to the California Department of Public Health. There is another risk that comes with running the AC: water damage. If your filter doesn't need to be replaced but could still use some sanitation, simply remove the filter and rinse it off on a monthly basis. You can spray Lysol or some other similar product into the front of the unit that could take care of the smell. Mold spores are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye, so clean surfaces even if you do not see mold. Place the vent cover in a basin or tub, sprinkle with laundry detergent and add enough water to cover the vent cover. (After unplugging it of course ;) With so many benefits beyond reducing the flu virus, it’s a great first step. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system, creating a habitat for moisture-loving mold. Simple things like opening your windows and using ventilation fans will get that stale air moving and dilute the infectious airborne population in your home. Then once it is dry spray it down with LYSOL this will kill any mold or mildew that may be left. From a comfort standpoint, increasing the winter humidity in your home can reduce dry, itchy skin while combatting respiratory problems such as nosebleeds. Air Conditioner Cleaning Seasonally: However, an unpleasant or musty smell coming from your air conditioner has a direct impact on your mood. A hidden leak will be identified during routine maintenance and repaired promptly, meaning that this concern can be avoided. When you spray this disinfectant into your HVAC system, it could come into contact with the electric motor and create a flash explosion that could damage your home's ductwork and even create a fire. These filters need to be regularly replaced. Combine 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. When it comes to sanitizing your HVAC system, it's essential to regularly clean and maintain your equipment. Hospitals are extremely vigilant about airborne HAIs, so you know this technology is going to be effective. One part that do need constant water spray is the AC condenser. In fact, getting the humidity in your home to these levels can reduce the survival rate of flu viruses by up to 30%. air filteration, Never mix bleach with ammonia; it results in toxic fumes. ... My 1 yr old LG window unit air conditioner is blowing warm air. This will help make sure your humidifier doesn’t become a breeding ground for the very germs you are trying to combat! Furthermore, if you want to include your whole house within your air filtration system, this is the most cost-effective way to do so. Armor All Car Air Freshener and Cleaner - Odor Eliminator for Cars & Truck, Freshfx Tranquil Skies, 5 Fl Oz Vent & Duct, 18546 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,698 $5.99 $ 5 . Once you have your new filter, reattach it by aligning the arrow located on the outer edge of the screen with the direction of airflow. Spray your air conditioner with a 3% hydrogen peroxide mixture. In fact, these types of lights have become more popular in restaurants throughout the country. If you live in an older home, it is likely that uninvited guests, whether they are rodents or insects, have stopped by from time to time. This is most often done in the bathroom every time you shower. Consider these statistics from Healthcare Facilities Today: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) kill more people in the United States than AIDS. If you spray Lysol disinfectant into your air return hoping that you're going to disinfect everything in there what you're doing is spraying a mostly pure alcohol into an air duct and into an air handler and inside of that air handler is an electric motor that's making Sparks you can get a flash explosion that can literally destroy the ductwork in the house it might even blow out the windows or start a fire! Using a garden sprayer, gently rinse off the coil cleaner with water. In some homes, a portable single-room humidifier may not do enough. With the AC fan running at full power, you should be able to feel air being sucked in. CNN reports a growing consensus of scientists suggest that homes with an ambient humidity between 40% and 60% have fewer flu germs in the air and on surfaces such as sinks and countertops. While the risks to your HVAC system may not be as serious as those facing hospitals and healthcare facilities, the same principals apply. There are many home HVAC applications that utilize UV light to improve air quality. Much of that can be done by the homeowner — such as the replacement or cleaning of filters — but you also want to make sure you have it professionally serviced from time to time. Take the bags outdoors through a window or door in the room in which you just cleaned to avoid contaminating other areas of the house. California Department of Public Health: Mold in My Home — What Do I Do? Make sure that, if you have a humidifier installed, it has a UV-C light within the device. I just cleaned my whole AC out with this stuff: AC-Safe Air Conditioner Coil Foaming Cleaner-AC-920 at The Home Depot It did the trick and now it's working like brand new again. Black mold can grow in any remaining moisture. Re-assemble and turn the main power switch on. That’s why manufacturers have been creating models with built-in filters and UV germ-killing features. Refrigerating coils create condensation, causing water to collect and therefore giving germs a comfortable place to multiply. Give the air conditioner a quick makeover easily with spray paint. Air conditioners use both outdoor and indoor equipment. I've been told that I can just spray my window unit AC with a garden hose or even take it through a car wash to clean it. While repairs may be a hassle, vermin often return through the same means they first used to enter your home. Regardless of where you live, you can follow these helpful air quality tips to ensure your HVAC system isn’t becoming a germ factory. We've had a distinct issue with evaporators in hair/nail salons. Always clean your hands after spraying the device even if you had the protective gloves. Lysol has a high ethanol alcohol concentration, which means it is highly flammable. Whole-home humidifiers have become increasingly popular. If you have an air conditioner filter, you can buy it. If so, why? Years of dust can collect while old stone foundations flake and create more debris. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. If you only want to address air quality in a couple of rooms, this is also the more affordable option. It is also worth noting that a UV-C disinfecting light is an effective tool year-round. Next, invest in a humidifier that is appropriate for the room size and designed with germ-prevention in mind. A can of Lysol can double as a flame-thrower for those with too much time on their hands This involves more than simply covering unsightly stains with paint, which don’t fix the problem. The longer you are in the shower, the more steam you will be producing. However, not everyone realizes the risk that HVAC-borne germs can pose for their loved ones. Direct the spray into the air conditioner fins, which (being the outermost components) harbor much of the dirt and grime. 99 It is in those moments that air filtration becomes so important. If you live in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine or Rhode Island, your best solution for HVAC service is Smart Touch Energy. If the pests entered through your ductwork, you will need to hire an HVAC professional to address the issue. However, I took it out of the window and cleaned it good away from … If you do find a mouse, ants or some other unwanted pests, seek out an exterminator. Several times per hour, these filters will take the air of the room and pass it through a highly-effective particulate filter. Fill the spray bottler with the hydrogen peroxide first then turn off the air conditioner and then spray the intake area gently. Regular maintenance checks include an inspection of the condensate drain as well as a cleaning of evaporator coils. Basic Cleaning 1 Look and smell for signs of mildew. Black mold can cause severe respiratory symptoms, particularly in people who are allergic to mold. To answer the question, yes, it’s okay to spray water on your air conditioner. The short answer to whether or not you can spray your air conditioner to kill mold is: Yes. Discard mold-infested materials in heavy-duty plastic bags. Plus, the best time to address the issue is while replacing drywall, as it will likely expose the cause of the problem. Unfortunately, when you are relying solely on HVAC systems for temperature control, you are increasingly relying on recycled air. How to Sanitize Your HVAC System and Prevent the Spread of Germs at Home. Luckily, there's a variety of ways you can rid your registers of gunk and grime. One of the best ways to keep dust out of your ductwork is to keep the area around both your furnace and your central air conditioning unit clean. While the Lysol technically might kill said gunk, the first problem is the lack of sufficient volume OF Lysol to completely saturate the insides of the ductwork/air handler TO actually kill said gunk. Hydrogen Peroxide will kill bacteria, oil of oregano, Thieves in a defuser a combo of clove and other ingredients that are disinfectants. The simplest of these techniques is to lift up the registers, wipe them down and vacuum each vent as thoroughly as possible. Question - is it harmful to spray Lysol into the returns? Their evaps tend to leak prior to the 5 year standard warranty is up and manufacturers are denying the … I've googled this and looked on YouTube but have found nothing about it for a window unit. Homes with open floor plans or that have large rooms are notoriously difficult to humidify. Follow along with these simple steps to ensure the cleanliness and functionality of your unit. Don't use paper towels on the coil itself - the pressure of your hand can bend the fins. Step 3: Spray Lysol into the Outside Air Vents. Some molds, especially black mold, can cause severe health risks. Experts argue that airborne versions of these diseases are the most dangerous and are on the rise in the United States. Once you've cleaned the main parts of your HVAC system, consider disinfecting these other areas of the unit: Finally, if you want your HVAC system to be as germ-free as possible, regular maintenance is important. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Can Mold Get Into Central Heat & Air Units? Spray at least 10 pumps into each vent; do this for each air intake vent throughout your home's duct system. In the spray bottle, combine 2 cups of water, a cup of bleach and 4 drops of liquid dish detergent. Individual room filtration is nice because it allows you to be flexible with where you use it. You can even purchase a heavy-duty vacuum for extra cleaning power. However, while they are great tools, they are not effective when it comes to addressing airborne germs. Make sure all household members with mold allergies or respiratory problems are out of the house before you begin to clean the air conditioner vents. Remember, many entry-level humidifiers can harbor their own germs. the product in the spray can is (almost certainly) flammable and explosive - yet Toyota itself uses the same thing; i've also seen videos of people spraying Lysol into their fresh air intake to remove odors. Hose it off as needed. Just spray the stuff in the grate for a pre-determined length of time. Once you have the coil cleaned up, you might want to look into those germicidal UV lamps and see if there's one you can install inside your air handler. Harsh chemicals in fungicides can harm its delicate evaporator and condenser coils. It depends on what you use. Even if portable humidifiers are insufficient, you do have options. Water damage, especially in drywall or wood studs, can produce mold. That being said, what do HAIs have to do with the need to reduce home germs in an HVAC system? On the outside of your vehicle at the bottom of the windshield, you'll see air intake vents. Replace a worn filter: If your filter is worn or solid, then you should change it. When you spray this disinfectant into your HVAC system, it could come into contact with the electric motor and create a flash explosion that could damage your home's ductwork and even create a fire. While the risks posed by water damage aren’t contained within the HVAC system, they can be caused by a malfunctioning HVAC system. Cleaning an HVAC system thoroughly is challenging, and it often requires pulling equipment apart. Prevent the spread of germs at home by cracking a window now and again. During the summer, excess humidity can become a problem. HEPA filters are capable of catching particles that are much smaller than the space between fibers. Routine cleaning is the key to keeping your unit performing at full capacity — ultimately prolonging your HVAC system's lifespan, lowering electricity costs and eliminating the need for repairs. While humidifiers are a great tool during the flu season, germs can infect your home during the summer as well. Rather than generating water vapor on a room-by-room basis, a whole-home humidifier adds moisture to the air in your ductwork. They are essentially mats of randomly arranged fiberglass fibers, somewhere between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers. The winter is considered flu season for many reasons. Start by purchasing a hygrometer. Toxic Black Mold Information Center: How to Clean Up a Mold Problem. If this drain backs up, then condensate collects, creating a stagnant pool of water. Judith Evans has been writing professionally since 2009, specializing in gardening and fitness articles. First, you can clean the grates with a cloth, then use your vacuum hose to remove dust in corners and tight spaces. Infestations will be a regular occurrence until the issue is repaired. Since then, it has been used effectively in places requiring sterile work environments, especially medical facilities. In other words, there is a lot to learn from hospitals and healthcare facilities about why it’s important to keep your HVAC system sanitized. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. Air filtration is also a good option for allergy sufferers. Customer reply replied 2 years ago. How to Treat Black Mold in the Sink Area of a Kitchen. Avoid spraying the fan motor. However, by opting for centralized air filtration, you take advantage of some big leaps in technology. Even if you only do this in the evening, you will drastically improve the air quality of your home. Yeah, The mold thing on window air conditioners is a real bummer. Like humidifiers, air filtration can either be accomplished on a room-by-room basis or centrally for your whole home. If you are ready to make your home more inhospitable for the flu virus, consider starting with winter humidifier solutions. Mix up your cleaning solution. Styrofoam, with its irregular surface, is a dream vacation destination for mildew and mold. This is done by installing a direction UV-C light at the air mover that is pushing either cooled or heated air throughout your home. Only UV-C light does the job, and these wavelengths don’t occur on earth very easily, as the ozone layer prevents UV-C light from penetrating our atmosphere. You need to have all windows or doors open, the A/C on full and the engine and fan running. My dh was concerned that I might be doing something dangerous or damaging to our heating system. Take off the front body grille of your unit. Don't take your old air conditioner to the dump when rust begins to rear its ugly head. It offers yet another layer of protection for you and your family. While most people assume HEPA filters work like a sieve, this is incorrect. First and foremost, you spend more time indoors and in places where airborne germs can easily concentrate. Lean the air filter back towards you and spray Lysol generously into the vent. Just make sure you know your filter's dimensions to ensure that you purchase the correct size for your HVAC system. Instead, these particles stick to the fibers as they pass over them. Prepare the Lysol Disinfection Spray by rough shaking for about 1 minutes and then spray into the air flow inlet for about 2-3 minutes. If you have central air conditioning, contact a professional cleaning service to remove mold from the unit and ductwork. Efforts to combat HVAC germs in hospitals have drawn media attention because antibiotic-resistant germs have begun to appear in the air in hospitals and because hospitals are designed to house people who are sick and thus contagious. Your air vents and floor registers are essential in generating airflow throughout your home. Next, it's important to disinfect your air ducts. This is usually placed in the same area as your furnace. The technology is getting cheaper, so a lot of people are adding disinfecting UV light as a redundancy in combination with other sanitizing procedures. While we already noted that recycled air is more prone to airborne germs, there are times during the year, especially in the middle of winter or summer, that opening the windows just isn’t practical. On most units, this can be done easily by pulling it … If the interior workings of a window unit become dirty, they can also harbor germs. Please note that you should not use Lysol to sanitize your HVAC system's return vents. Repeat for the heater with the heater full on fan full on, etc. How to Paint a Rusty Air Conditioner. Just try not to direct the water onto the control area and directly onto the fan motor that drives the blower and outside fan part. They have the added benefit of making your house feel warmer without needing to crank the thermostat. Remove dust from the inside of the air conditioner, as the dust in the moist environment allows mold to thrive. Topics: Tip. Germs love this type of environment. Re: I sprayed Lysol through the front vents of my air conditioner. They accelerate corrosion and propagate leaks. This is especially useful if the surface you are disinfecting is challenging for other cleaning solutions, such as fabrics and couches or computer keyboards. If you're referring to the central HVAC return, no, spraying any chemical based aerosol isn't good. The chemicals are corrosive and end up sticking to the evaporator coil. Proper ventilation and short showers are simple solutions that can go a long way in improving the air quality in your home. My house feels muggy and disgusting now. Air conditioners can grow mold and start to blow smelly, unhealthy air into your home if not cleaned properly. However, there are more sophisticated centralized filtration systems that will do far more than a simple replaceable air filter. © 2018 Smart Touch Energy. Never run the air conditioner. Swirl them to mix them up, but do not shake the bottle to form suds. Spray the Lysol evenly to the air flow inlet to assure the inlet are fully disinfected: Spray the Lysol Disinfection Spray into the air flow inlet. We recommend cleaning or exchanging your filter at least once a month. All HVAC systems use some filtration to remove particulates from the intake ductwork that pulls air back from your home, which is cycled through either the furnace or the air conditioning. You can also use the vacuum hose or a long-handle brush to loosen up the dirt and clean those hard-to-reach spaces in your HVAC system's return air registers. With the right tools, disinfectants and know-how, HVAC system cleaning can be easy.