Can Duct Cleaning Rods Be Used In Older HVAC Systems?
If that’s your query too, we hear you loud and clear. Both HVAC professionals and residents of old buildings might wonder if duct cleaning rods are actually safe for use in older HVAC systems. After all, their rigorous cleaning action might not fit the bill for delicate surfaces.
If you want the short answer, it is “yes”. Though a few important conditions apply. Let’s break it down in detail so you know exactly what to do when using these rods to clean old systems.
How Do Duct Cleaning Rods Work?
Before we figure out how safe they are for use in old HVAC systems, let’s get an understanding of how duct cleaning rods work.
Long and flexible, these rods are typically used to physically agitate dust, debris, mold and other contaminants so they can be dislodged and removed from inside the ductwork. Most rods come with attachments such as brush heads, which may or may not be powered by a drill to deliver strong rotations for more effective scrubbing action.
There are two main types of duct cleaning rods everyone should be aware of, and these are:
- Flexible Nylon Rods: These are relatively gentle and are perfect for cleaning the bends and turns in a ductwork
- Rigid Fiberglass or Composite Rods: These are quite strong and more suited for straight runs
Both might be required for an efficient duct cleaning session.
Why It Makes Sense To Be Concerned About Using Them In Older Systems
Of all the duct cleaning tools, rods deliver powerful cleaning action, which can be challenging for HVAC systems older than 15 to 25+ years. Why? Because these tend to have more delicate ductwork that becomes brittle over time due to:
- Innumerable rounds of heating and cooling throughout the years
- Accumulation of dust and debris
- Damage caused by moisture or mold
- Insufficient maintenance over the years
All of these factors combined make it necessary to choose the right tools, including rods for duct cleaning. In fact, it is crucial to ensure they are handled with care.
How To Safely Use Duct Cleaning Rods For Older Systems
Using duct cleaning rods is critical for tough debris and mold in particular. Since its use cannot be avoided in certain cases, it’s important to exercise caution. Here are tips to use duct cleaning rods without damaging an old HVAC system:
1. Check the duct before cleaning
Inspecting the duct for deterioration before usage is wise. Look for loose or crumbling insulation, rusty or weakened joints and sagging or collapsed ducts. All of these can make using duct cleaning rods a huge challenge, so it’s best to exercise caution.
2. Use flexible rods only
Since older HVAC systems are likely worn down, using rigid rods can deepen the damage. On the other hand, flexible rods serve as a safer alternative. They are less likely to tear, scratch or dent duct linings. Certainly a better option than rigid rods that can be too aggressive on delicate, aging systems.
3. Use soft brush attachments
Foam attachments or brushes with soft bristles can prevent metal or foil-lined ductworks from getting scratched, thus preserving their surfaces. Wire brushes are best avoided as aging ductwork might not be able to handle their force.
4. Avoid excessive force
While the accumulated grime may make you want to scrub it out vigorously, it’s best to take a gentler approach when using duct cleaning tools on old fragile systems. Gentle cleaning is more effective and safer in such cases.
5. Use power tools cautiously
Though certain duct cleaning rods are compatible with power drills, it’s safer to opt for manual operation to avoid damage. If you happen to use a drill, consider operating it at a low speed for the same reason.
Conclusion
Using a duct cleaning rod on an aging HVAC system is not strictly prohibited. It can be used, provided you take certain precautionary measures as a professional HVAC technician. That includes using the right type of duct cleaning tools, which you will find only at Heat Seal Equipment Ltd. We have got the broadest range of the most efficient equipment that more than gets the job done. Contact us today to get suitable tools for aging systems.
