RV Air Ducts Cleaning
Proper ventilation in an RV is essential. You will use this RV as your home for a time. It should be comfortable and warm all year. You will need to know how to clean RV ducts in order to keep it in tip-top condition.
Although it may sound daunting, this process is actually quite simple and quick. You may need professional assistance for major system damage, but regular maintenance can be done by you or a friend. Cleansing your RV ducts can improve airflow and regulate interior temperature. It will also prevent any potential blockages. Let’s take a look at the steps below.
Turn off the thermostat
Before you begin to poke around in the heating/air conditioning system’s parts, be sure that the thermostat has been turned off. Make sure the unit is turned off and does not reactivate during cleaning!
After the thermostat is turned off, you can concentrate on cleaning RV air ducts.
Remove vent covers
Next, you will need to remove all vent covers from the RV. Vents can be found on both the inside and exterior of these ducts, so make sure to inspect every part. Roof vents should not be overlooked! Because they aren’t visible immediately from the ground, these vents can be easy for people to forget.
Most duct covers and vent covers can be removed by gently grasping the vent ends and pulling down. These covers can be removed easily so you don’t have to pull too hard. You might find some duct covers that are screwed on. If you have to remove one, make sure you have your screwdriver handy.
Place all vent covers outside your vehicle and label them with a piece tape. This will make it easier to identify the right place for each vent cover when replacing them. To remove dust and buildup, wipe the covers clean with a damp cloth or spray them with a hose. Lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Check the air ducts, seals
After the system is opened, it’s time to inspect it! Because RV ducts can quickly build up, it is crucial to maintain them. The ducts are also exposed to outdoor conditions. This means that pests, dust, and plant debris could easily get in.
If the RV has been unused for some time, it could be harboring larger infestations such as insect hives and mouse nests. Before cleaning, make sure to inspect all vents thoroughly. Make sure to inspect each duct with a flashlight.
Rely on your nose and your eyes as much as possible! If you smell moldy, mildew, or any other unusual odors, it could indicate that something is wrong with your system.
Don’t forget about checking the seals around vents. Leakages or cracks in caulk can occur especially on exterior and roof vents. Although it may seem small at first, this can cause problems over time. If they aren’t repaired, damaged seals can lower the resale price.
Fans should be cleaned of dust and accumulation
After everything is inspected and prepped, we can now discuss how to clean RV air filters. The primary components that keep the air flowing throughout your vehicle are furnaces and fans. These parts are the main sources of debris and blockages.
These pieces can be cleaned with a vacuum or compressed water. You can use the compressed air to blast stubborn areas and then vacuum it up. It is quick and removes most of the dust. Next, use a damp cloth to clean fan blades or other dirt areas.
Wear protective eye and mouth protection to avoid inhaling dust. Sometimes, there is quite a lot of dust that blows out.
After you are done, turn the fans manually to ensure everything is moving correctly.
Use a plumber’s snake to clean the ducts
Next, clean the ducts. Although they don’t normally contain much debris, dust can cause problems if left unattended.
You will need a plumber’s knife and a rag to clean the ducts. Wrap the rag around your snake’s tip and make a ball shape at the ends. Then secure the wrap with duct tape and thread it through the duct system. Continue feeding the snake through the pipes, until it reaches the end or hits an obstacle.
Retract the snake, then clean or replace the rag. This will solve most problems and maintain clean air ducts.
Reactivate the thermostat by replacing the vent cover
After everything has been dried, if necessary, you can reassemble your heating system. You should replace vent covers in the correct places. These should be simple to screw or snap back in place.
Turn on the heating and air conditioning for a few seconds. You should listen for unusual sounds and ensure that the temperature is changing properly. You’re done!
For more complex projects, contact professionals
Although it’s helpful to know how to clean RV ac ducts, sometimes the task is more difficult than we expected. These simple cleaning tips can help solve many problems. If you have pest or mold problems, outside help may be required. It can be difficult for people to reach ducts, making it easy to overlook them.
There may be mechanical problems that cannot be fixed with a cleaning program. If this happens, you should contact a professional air duct cleaner to help. These services may be covered by some RV warranties. Make sure to understand all options.
A well-maintained RV duct system will increase its life expectancy and make it more comfortable to live in. You can avoid major problems by performing simple maintenance.
Maintain My RV is an online tool that will help you keep track all of your RV repairs and maintenance. You can keep all your documents in one location, and you will also be notified when maintenance is due. This will help you avoid expensive repairs and possibly serious accidents.
