Duct Masks, Plugs & Blowguns: When & How To Use Each Of Them

When it comes to heavy lifting, you need your duct cleaning air compressor and vacuum. But even these big machines can fail to do their job right if they are forced to work in isolation. They need the support of small, precise tools such as duct masks, plugs, and blowguns to ensure every job is clean, efficient, and professional. However, if you want the best results, you need to know how to use them right. 

 

Heat Seal Equipment Ltd. offers both heavy-duty duct cleaning tools and compatible accessories to HVAC technicians all over Ajax, Ontario. With 50 years of experience in providing the most efficient equipment, we know everything there is to know about the proper use of duct cleaning accessories. Let us walk you through the role each of them plays in a complete duct-cleaning workflow. 

 

 

How & When To Use Duct Masks, Plugs & Blowguns? A Step-By-Step Workflow

 

Using accessories such as duct masks and plugs is a relatively simple affair – as long as you use them at the right moment. Let us demonstrate. 

 

 

Step #1: Prepare and protect registers with duct masks

 

A proper duct cleaning session does not begin with powering your vacuum or compressor. It begins with preparing your job site. To ensure your working area is clean and controlled, you need to use a duct mask. Covering all registers, vents, and openings with it will prevent dust and debris from escaping into surrounding rooms, thus protecting your client’s space from recontamination. 

 

Using self-adhesive duct rolls can have a positive impact on your vacuum’s suction efficiency, too. By preventing air leakage and ensuring its unidirectional flow, these masks help your vacuum perform like a pro, enabling it to pull more debris from deep into the ductwork. 

 

Pro Tip: When applying the mask, cut a slightly larger area than that of registers, grills, etc. This will ensure a snug, airtight seal. 

 

 

Step #2: Use duct plugs to secure openings 

 

Now that you have covered all openings with the mask, it is time to bring duct plugs into action. Useful in sealing access points, service holes, and unused ducts, this tiny contraption offers a temporary yet reliable seal. It does not damage the metal standard duct openings that are made of either. 

 

As for why they should be used, installing duct plugs can help you control airflow and prevent instances of recontamination and backdraft when you are cleaning. So if efficiency is what you're chasing, you need to add this duct cleaning tool to your kit. 

 

Pro Tip: Carry plugs of multiple sizes with you on the job, as openings within a duct system can have different diameters. The right fit can make all the difference in enhancing suction power. 

 

 

Step #3: Create new access points with unitbits 

 

If you are working with older or particularly narrow systems, you may need to create new access points for cleaning them. A unitbit, also known as a step drill bit, can help you create clean openings in a safe and quick manner. Designed to drill duct walls in stages, they do not cause any damage and offer a smooth access point for hoses, rods, and inspection cameras. 

 

Pro Tip: Wear eye protection gear while drilling a hole in the ductwork. 

 

 

Step #4: Clean out with blowguns and vent magnets

 

Now we are at the final stage of the entire duct cleaning process. Once you are done with a thorough vacuum run, bring out your blowgun to remove stubborn debris, fine dust, and accumulated lint from corners. Next, use the vent magnet roll to collect dropped screws and fasteners from the ductwork. You can run it along registers or duct surfaces to retrieve all metallic components. 

 

Pro Tip: When using a blowgun, blow short blasts of air to minimize turbulence within the duct. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

To clean ducts better than your rivals ever could, you need the complete duct cleaning tools package. That includes duct masks, plugs, blowguns, and vent magnets. Together, they can help you deliver results that will earn you recommendations from your clients. Heat Seal Equipment Ltd. provides duct cleaning tools of exceptional quality and performance to contractors in Ajax, Ontario. Contact us if you want dependable equipment and accessories that guarantee squeaky-clean ducts. 

 

 

FAQs

 

Can a blowgun be connected to a duct cleaning air compressor?

 

Yes. In fact, Heat Seal Equipment’s blowgun features a 3/8” fitting, which is compatible with most standard air compressors. 

 

Can a duct mask be reused?

 

No, duct masks are designed for single use only. Reusing old masks risks contamination by offering a loose seal and exposing the environment to the lint already trapped in them. 

 

Can unibits be used on flexible ducts?

 

We advise against it. Unitbits are made for metal ducts. For flexible ducts, we suggest using a milder cutting attachment as opposed to a drill bit.