How often should you clean your vents and your ducts? Is it an annual need? Can you do it yourself, or should you hire a professional? How do you do it, and what effect will it have on your indoor air quality? Here’s how to keep up with vent cleaning in your home.
DIY Vent Cleaning
If your vents are dirty, your HVAC system can blow dust into your home, significantly lowering your IAQ. To prevent this, your vent covers should be dusted regularly, every month or two, to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris.
Once a year, give your vents a more thorough cleaning. Start by turning off your HVAC system. Then, remove all your vent covers and wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water. While waiting for them to dry, you can clean the inside of the vents. Get a vacuum cleaner with a long hose and vacuum all around the inside of the vents as far as you can reach. You can also use an electrostatic mop or duster with a long handle to reach inside and attract the dirt. Once you’re done, replace the covers on the vents. Finally, replace the air filters and turn your HVAC system back on.
Professional Vent Cleaning
Some experts recommend having your ducts professionally cleaned every eight to 10 years. Others say you should only do it when it’s necessary for your home’s air health. Necessary circumstances include: if the vents are clogged with dust, there’s a buildup of mold and mildew, or there are vermin living inside the ducts. If you find any of these things in your vents, call a professional immediately.
Also beware of scams. Proper vent cleaning is a very expensive process that requires special equipment. If a company calls you up and tells you your ducts should be cleaned every year or offers you a special price to come and clean your ducts, they’re most likely not legitimate and won’t perform a proper cleaning.
To ensure your vents operate efficiently, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We keep Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin homes comfortable.
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