The Importance of Regularly Cleaning Your Air Vents
If you have a home with central heating and air conditioning, you have air vents throughout your house. Working alongside ductwork, air vents allow conditioned air to be dispersed into different areas of your home. It’s likely you’ve noticed a layer of dust, clumps of pet hair, or other debris collected around your air vents before, and maybe even right now! The truth is, your air vents need to be cleaned in order to ensure proper airflow and maximum efficiency.
How Do Air Vents Relate to My Home’s Comfort?
As stated, your air vents work alongside your ductwork to disperse air to different areas of your home. Your vents provide a barrier to protect the air in your home from being polluted by contaminants that may pass through your air filter. While they don’t catch everything, they are able to stop some freely roaming debris from entering your home. The longer you go without cleaning your air vents, the dirtier they become which means your airflow, air quality, and comfort could be negatively affected.
Types of Air Vents:
Supply Vents: Supply vents are the small vents you see all around your home. They received their name from their job of supplying the space they inhabit with conditioned air.
Return Vents: Return vents are the bigger vents in your home. There may be a few close to common areas, or one in the middle of the home. These vents are responsible for returning the air from your home back into your HVAC system to be recycled.
Signs It’s Time to Clean the Air Vents
Mold: Fungal growth is an indicator of humidity coupled with poor air flow. Every home should have some level of humidity, so proper ventilation is important. If you see mold in an area of your home or on the air vents themselves, it’s time to clean them. Mold can cause aggravating symptoms and allergic reactions, especially in those with respiratory issues.
Uncomfortable Temperatures: If you feel your HVAC system is not heating or cooling your home properly, it could be related to dirty air vents. Dirty air vents can restrict air flow, leaving you with uncomfortable temperatures throughout your house, and high energy bills as your system works harder to satisfy your comfort preference. Clean your air vents and ensure they’re not blocked by furniture to ensure optimal air flow.
Unpleasant Odors: Odd, unpleasant odors could be coming from dirty air vents. As dust, dirt, hair, and other contaminants build up around the air vents, the smells of these particles become stronger and harder to ignore. Give them a good wash and dry them before replacing them to prevent mold growth.
Rise In Energy Bills: All of the problems listed above can result in high energy bills. It’s likely if your air vents are obstructed by dirt and other debris, you’re experiencing this now. If you’re noticing your energy bills steadily rise, clean your air vents and change your air filter to see if it makes a difference. If not, call Swinson AC.
Importance of Cleaning Your Air Vents
There are a number of reasons why cleaning your air vents is important for your comfort, efficiency, and the safety of your home and your family. Cleaning your air vents helps to:
- Circulate fresh air throughout your home
- Increase efficiency and save money on your energy bills
- Lessen the risk of house fires
- Get rid of unwanted odors
- Regulate humidity levels
- Prevent serious health issues in allergy sufferers
- Have a healthier home with cleaner air
How to Clean Air Vents
Cleaning your air vents means more than just a quick dusting that could just make your air quality worse. Luckily, cleaning your air vents is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself! Before you begin cleaning your air vents, you’ll need these supplies: a cleaning brush, dish soap, a screwdriver, gloves, and a step-ladder (if your vents are on the ceiling). Then, just follow these steps:
- Turn off your HVAC system so the air doesn’t begin blowing when the vents are not attached.
- Unscrew the air vents from the floor, wall, or ceiling and remove them.
- soak the air vents in warm, soapy water then scrub them with the brush (or sponge).
- When done, lay them out to dry, or dry them with a paper towel or rag.
- Put the air vents back (when dry!) and take a minute to change the air filter in your HVAC system if needed.
- Turn the system back on and enjoy cleaner air and better airflow!
What’s Next?
If cleaning your air vents doesn’t solve the issues you’re facing, call the professionals at Swinson AC. We’re happy to provide you with the tips you need for a safe, healthy home environment.
To learn more about our company or the services we offer, visit our website at https://swinsonac.com/. We proudly serve communities on the Eastern Shore including Loxley, Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, and surrounding areas.
We are a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer. Feel free to call us at (251) 990-0998 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
