How to Prepare for Air Duct Cleaning — San Antonio Homeowner Checklist

You've scheduled your air duct cleaning — now what? The good news is that preparing for the appointment is simple. Here's a quick checklist so the job goes smoothly and you get the most out of the service.

Before the Appointment

• Make sure we have clear access to the air handler — usually in a closet, attic, or garage
• Clear a 3–4 foot area around the indoor unit and outdoor condenser if accessible
• Secure pets in a room away from the work area for their safety and comfort
• Make a note of any specific concerns — rooms with weak airflow, odors, or allergy issues
• Make sure all rooms are accessible — we need to reach every supply and return register

During the Cleaning

You'll need to be home during the service, but you don't need to follow the crew around. Here's what to expect:

• The crew will set up a truck-mounted or high-capacity HEPA vacuum connected to your duct system
• Expect some noise from the vacuum and rotary brush equipment — this is normal
• Each supply and return register is cleaned individually, so the crew moves room to room
• Most San Antonio residential jobs take 2–4 hours depending on home size
• The crew will do a final walkthrough with you before packing up

After the Cleaning

• Replace your air filter with a fresh one — a clean system deserves a clean filter
• Keep all registers open and unblocked for proper airflow
• You may notice a slight dusty smell for the first few hours — this settles quickly
• It's normal to see a small amount of residual dust at registers for a day or two
• If you had odor or airflow concerns, notice whether they've improved in the days after

What You Don't Need to Do

You don't need to leave the house during cleaning, cover your furniture, or do any special cleanup afterward. We contain the work area, use drop cloths near access points, and clean up before leaving. The only thing we recommend is a fresh filter so your newly cleaned system starts clean.