• Ventilation registers conceal buildup and dirt.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) professionals use both general purpose specialized cleaning equipment to remove dust, mold and mildew from ventilation registers and ductwork. If your home AC requires a cleaning, learn about the tools of HVAC professionals, and choose the right one for your project.
  
  

Rotary Brush

• Basically a heavy-duty pipe cleaner, the rotary brush consists of a set of bristles or flaps attached to the end of a long flexible pole. A motor or air compressor powers the rotation of the pole and the attached brush. As the brush spins, an HVAC technician pushes the pole into the air conditioning ductwork. The brush loosens and removes dust and residue deep within the ducts.
  
  

Air Compressor and Sprayer

• An air compressor and sprayer distribute HVAC cleaning agents into air conditioning and ventilation ducts. Like a paint sprayer or pressure washer, the air compressor and sprayer shoot streams of liquid from a trigger-operated wand or pistol.
  
  

HVAC Cleaning Agents

• HVAC professionals use only specialized compounds to clean air conditioning ductwork. Filling an air conditioning ventilation system with household cleaners actually reduces indoor air quality and poses potential health risks. Specialized HVAC cleaning agents always bear an EPA approval label. EPA approved cleaning agents destroy mildew, mold, fungus and bacteria. If properly applied, approved cleaning agents disinfect and sanitize a home AC system without risk to the home's inhabitants.
  
  

Vacuum

• A household vacuum or a shop vacuum sucks dust and debris from a home AC system's ventilation ductwork. Vacuums capable of sucking and storing wet waste are useful for removing cleaning agents from ducts. The hose attached to most household vacuums provides sufficient suction to remove dust and buildup from the exterior of AC registers.
  
  

HVAC Collector Unit

• The HVAC collector unit is a specialized tool used to clear an entire ventilation system of buildup and debris. Often used in conjunction with specialized HVAC cleaning agents, the HVAC collector unit consists of a large chute attached to an opening in the ductwork system. HVAC technicians close off other openings and turn on the collector's motor, which creates strong suction and draws everything throughout the system toward the chute. The chute deposits waste into a collection canister.