Cleaning air vents and ducts is a vital part of HVAC maintenance. Clean vents and ducts allow your heating and cooling system to run efficiently and improve indoor air quality. Here’s more on how to go about cleaning your air vents and ductwork.
When to Clean Air Vents
Generally, you should give your air vents a thorough clean at least once every two to five years. However, it’s advisable to clean them immediately if you notice excessive dust and debris being released from the vents. You should also clean them more frequently if a family member has asthma or allergies or there are signs of a pest infestation, such as odor or droppings.
Your vents are connected to your air ducts, which can collect millions of dust particles, dead skin cells, hair, and other dangerous allergens. Therefore, it’s essential to clean your ducts as well. Ductwork cleaning is recommended every three to five years. You should schedule it sooner if there’s visible mold growth, pest infestation, or after completing a remodeling project.
How to Go About Cleaning Air Vents and Ducts
Follow these steps to clean your vents:
- Turn off your HVAC system.
- Unscrew and remove the grilles or duct covers on your wall.
- Clean the grilles and slats thoroughly with a brush. If they have grime, use soap and water.
- Use a broom to clean duct covers that are too high to unscrew.
Air duct cleaning is best left to the professionals. They’ll use specialized equipment like rotary brushes and high-powered vacuum cleaners to loosen and remove built-up dirt and other contaminants.
While cleaning air vents and ductwork is necessary for proper HVAC maintenance, don’t forget to change your air filters regularly, clean the area around your outdoor unit, and schedule professional maintenance. For routine HVAC maintenance and repairs in the Dayton area, contact Ace Hardware Home Services.
