Your Ducted System Could Be Dirtier Than You Think
Living in Melbourne is a vibe. Coffee on every corner, footy on the weekends, and wild weather that can’t make up its mind. One minute it’s 12°, the next it’s 33°. That’s why ducted air conditioning is so popular—it keeps your home comfy through all four seasons (sometimes in one day).
But here’s something a lot of families don’t realize: your ducted AC might be blowing more than just air. It could be sending dust, mould spores, pet hair, and old cooking smells right through your home.
If your AC smells funky when it starts up, or if your power bill keeps creeping up even though the system’s on the same settings—it might be time for a deep clean.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- Why ducted aircon cleaning is so important for Melbourne homes
- A simple breakdown of how a proper clean works
- Aussie cleaning tips and must-have gear
- How to keep your system happy year-round
- When it’s time to stop cleaning and just upgrade
- A real story from a Melbourne family who made the switch
- The one product tradies trust for ducted AC care
- FAQs, pro advice, and how to shop smart at HVAC Shop
So if you’ve been sneezing more, paying more, or just not feeling fresh air in your home—this one’s for you.
Why a Deep Clean Matters (Especially in Melbourne Homes)
Melbourne isn’t just famous for its unpredictable weather—it’s also a hotspot for dust, pollens, and air pollution. Mix that with pets, kids, and sealed-up houses in winter, and you’ve got a perfect storm brewing inside your ducted system.
Here’s what a proper clean can sort out:
Say See-Ya to Allergens
Dirty ductwork is like a playground for dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander. Not fun if anyone in the house has asthma or allergies.
Improve Airflow and Comfort
Blocked filters and dusty ducts make your system huff and puff. That means hotter summers, colder winters, and uneven temps from room to room.
Save Your System from Early Death
Your AC is like your car—neglect it, and it starts kicking up problems. Clean systems last longer, need fewer repairs, and cost less to run.
Get Rid of That Musty Smell
Ever noticed a weird odour when you flick the AC on? That’s not “just how air smells.” It’s built-up grime, mould, and sometimes even critter mess (yep—gross).
How to Clean Your Ducted AC (No Tech Talk, Just Plain Steps)
Not every Melbourne family wants to call in the pros for a basic clean—and honestly, you can do a lot of it yourself if you’ve got the right tools.
Here’s a no-nonsense, step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Switch It Off (Completely)
Turn off your AC at the wall and the circuit board. You don’t want any surprises while you're working near electrical parts.
Step 2: Check Your Return Air Grille
This is where your filter lives. You’ll usually find it in a hallway ceiling or high up on a wall. Unscrew the grille and gently remove the filter.
Step 3: Clean or Replace the Filter
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If it’s reusable, wash it with warm water and a mild detergent.
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Let it dry completely before putting it back.
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If it’s a disposable one, chuck it out and grab a replacement with high MERV ratings.
Our pick: Use Viper Aerosol Coil Cleaner to gently spray away hidden gunk from coils and surfaces. It’s no-rinse, no-fuss.
Step 4: Wipe and Vacuum Vents
Use a brush attachment to vacuum the visible duct openings and vents. Don’t forget to give those grille covers a good clean too—especially if your dog sleeps under the vent.
Step 5: Spray with a Safe Disinfectant
Got mould or mystery smells? A few sprays of Evap-Fresh No Rinse Disinfectant will sort that out. It kills mould and bacteria without needing to rinse.
Step 6: Book a Pro for the Heavy Lifting
You can DIY the basics, but for a full duct inspection or mould treatment, it’s worth bringing in a local HVAC tech. Especially if you’re in an older home in places like Coburg or Glen Iris where systems are a bit dated.
Aussie Buyer’s Guide: Must-Haves for a Proper Clean
Melbourne homes come in all shapes—weatherboard, townhouse, double-brick—but these cleaning products work across the board.
Here’s a list of gear that’s worth every cent:
Top Products We Recommend
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Viper Pan & Drain Treatment Tablets
Stops algae, sludge, and weird smells in the drain pan. Set-and-forget style. -
Evap-Fresh No Rinse Disinfectant
Hospital-grade. Kills off nasty bacteria and is safe for homes with bubs and pets. -
Viper Foam Coil Cleaner
Expanding foam that lifts muck off your coils fast. Gets right into the fins. -
Nu-Calgon Duct-Fresh Spray
Freshens up the air without smelling like a chemical factory.
🔗 You can find all these inside our Cleaning & Preventative Maintenance Collection
Handy Tools to Keep in the Shed
- A brush or shop vac with extension hose
- Screwdriver set (for grille covers)
- Microfibre cloths
- A step ladder
- Face mask and gloves (just in case)
Ongoing Maintenance: Set It and Forget It (Almost)
We get it—you’ve got enough on your plate with school runs, footy practice, and everything else.
So here’s a quick table to keep your system in check without going overboard:
| Task | When to Do It |
|---|---|
| Check and clean filters | Every 1–2 months |
| Wipe down vents and grilles | Monthly |
| Use coil cleaner | Twice a year |
| Book a full system clean | Every 12–18 months |
| Inspect ductwork for cracks or pests | Annually |
Melbourne tip: If your power bill suddenly jumps in winter, dirty ducts might be the culprit. Give them a clean before assuming the unit’s faulty.
When It’s Time to Stop Cleaning and Start Upgrading
Sometimes, no matter how many products you throw at it, your system just won’t behave.
Here are signs your ducted AC might need the boot:
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System is older than your firstborn (15+ years)
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Weird smells and dust keep coming back
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Some rooms are freezing, others feel like a sauna
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Power bills are creeping up
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Unit breaks down every second month
💡 Talk to your local HVAC installer about upgrading to a zoned system or inverter unit—much better suited to Melbourne’s stop-start climate.
Client Story: The Morrisons in Altona North
“We moved into our dream fixer-upper last year. The ducted system looked fine, but the smell—yuck. Every time we turned it on, it smelt like damp carpet. My partner got the Evap-Fresh disinfectant from HVAC Shop, and we did a full clean over the weekend. We were shocked at how much dust was stuck inside.
Now? The house smells like fresh air. No more sneezing, no more dry throats in the morning. Best part—it only cost us about $80 in products.”
— Tanya Morrison, Altona North VIC
The One Product Tradies Actually Recommend
If you’re only going to try one product—make it the Viper Aerosol Coil Cleaner.
Why?
- Safe on metal and plastic
- Foams up to get into tricky spots
- No rinse needed—just spray and walk away
- Doesn’t leave that ‘chemical’ smell
- It’s in the back of every tradie’s ute for a reason
Don’t Wait for the Sneezes
If your ducted system hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it’s not just airflow you’re losing—it’s comfort, health, and money out of your pocket.
Start small. Do a quick filter clean today. Try out a spray. If things still feel stale, get a proper deep clean booked in.
And if you’re ready to make a real difference to your home’s air quality?
🔗 Explore our full cleaning collection here
Delivered fast, Australia-wide. Even to the outer ‘burbs.
FAQs: What Melbourne Families Ask Us Most
Q: How often should I clean my ducted AC system?
A: Filters monthly, full deep clean every 12–18 months.
Q: Can I use home cleaning sprays?
A: Best to avoid anything too harsh. Stick to AC-safe products like Viper and Evap-Fresh.
Q: Is it safe to clean around kids or pets?
A: Yep! Just use no-rinse disinfectants and air out the room afterwards.
Q: What if I find mould inside?
A: Disinfect what you can. If it keeps coming back, call a licensed technician to check the ductwork.
Q: Will cleaning actually lower my power bill?
A: 100%! Clean systems don’t have to work as hard, so you save cash over time.