HVAC air duct cleaning should be done by trained professionals who have the equipment to properly do the job. However, that doesn't mean there aren't a few things you can do to lower the cost of having the ducts cleaned. One of the things you will be charged for by the duct cleaners is the cost of removing the blower motor for the furnace so they can hook up the negative pressure machine to the air duct system. If you are good with a ratchet and a screwdriver, you can negotiate to deduct the cost of removal from the overall price of having your air ducts clean and remove the blower assembly by yourself. If you want to remove the blower assembly before the duct cleaners arrive, here is how you do it.

Locating Blower Assembly

There are typically two compartments on the typical furnace. One compartment contains the heating elements and the other compartment contains the blower assembly. The blower assembly can be located in either the top or bottom compartment. To locate the right compartment, follow the duct work to the furnace. The blower is located in the compartment that connects with the duct system.

Remove Compartment Cover

The cover either slides into place or it is screwed down. If it slides into place, lift up on the bottom of the compartment door. The door will slide up a couple rails until the hooked top of the door pops out of a channel so you can remove it. Otherwise, remove the screws around the perimeter of the door and set it aside.

Removing Fan Assembly

There will be a set of wires that run from the blower motor to a control panel. The wires could be connected together with wire nuts or harnesses. Unscrew the wire nuts or separate the harnesses to disconnect the wires. The blower assembly is bolted to a couple of metal brackets. Unbolt the blower assembly and pull it out of the furnace.

Clean Assembly

You should clean the fan blades in the assembly to remove any dirt and/or dust before you put it back in the furnace after the cleaners are done. The dust and dirt will typically be caked onto the fan blades. Scrap the caked dust and dirt of with a putty knife. Then clean the assembly with warm soapy water. Make sure you don't get the motor wet. Set the assembly to dry while you wait for the air duct cleaners to do their job.

For more information, contact local professionals like Dick  Kearsley Service Center.