Dust build-up in an air conditioner is a common occurrence as the dust in the surrounding areas can easily enter the system through vents and openings. Cleaning AC air vents is something you can to do keep your system running efficiently and improve airflow and performance. Read on to learn more about how to best clean the air vents and keep your system in peak condition.
To learn more and schedule AC maintenance service with our heating and air conditioning professionals, call us today. When you trust Galmiche & Sons with your HVAC cleaning and maintenance, you save time and stay safe in the knowledge that your AC is thoroughly cleaned. Call us at 314-993-1110 or use our online form to schedule HVAC maintenance.
The Importance of Cleaning Air Vents
There are a number of reasons why cleaning air vents is important for the health of your HVAC system.
- Prevent Health Concerns: The dust and allergens that accumulate in your AC’s vents inevitably get circulated through your living space, reducing air quality and potentially triggering allergies among family members that have hypersensitivity reactions.
- Improve Air Flow: Dust, dirt, and debris in the vents can also block airflow and make your AC work harder and leading to many common AC problems. Cleaning air vents will allow your AC to continue functioning efficiently. In a worst-case scenario, blockages can cause your AC to break down, necessitating an emergency fix.
- Detect Issues and Leaks: During HVAC cleaning, it is not rare to find leaks in the vents and ductwork. After having spotted any problem, contact our HVAC technicians to suggest solutions and carry out fixes, saving you expensive repairs down the road.
Steps to Clean Your Air Vents
Prepare for cleaning a day before, assembling the required tools and moving furniture near the HVAC system. It is also a good idea to keep your pets and children in a different room during the cleaning process.
Some tools you will need for cleaning include:
- A long-handled dusting brush
- A screwdriver to disconnect the vents before cleaning them
- A vacuum cleaner to reach tight areas of your vent system
- A microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt from surfaces
- A cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water
- A new filter to replace your old air filter
- An old newspaper
Step By Step Process of Cleaning Air Vents
It is recommended that you clean your AC vents every 4-6 months. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Cover the supply registers to block dust from releasing into your house. Lift the grill, wrap or cover the registers with a cloth, and replace them.
- After covering the supply registers properly, switch on the fan for a few minutes as it will loosen dust particles and debris. Set the thermostat to ‘fan on’ and turn off the ‘cool/heat’ mode to ensure that only your fan is running.
- When this is finished, switch off your AC unit’s power.
- Place an old newspaper beneath the vents to catch any dust that falls during the cleaning process. Remove the vent covers using a screwdriver. Clean the grilles with a clean cloth. Use the cleaning solution to further clean the grilles. Allow the grilles to air dry completely.
- Vacuum visible dirt from your air vents. Scrub tough spots using the long-handled brush. Use the cleaning cloth to wipe out surfaces.
- After you are done cleaning all of the vents throughout your house, now is a good time to replace the old filter in your HVAC system.
Contact Galmiche & Sons for HVAC Cleaning & Maintenance
From helping maintain consistently good indoor air quality to supporting the longevity of your AC, there are many benefits of AC maintenance. At Galmiche & Sons, our HVAC technicians can take HVAC maintenance off your plate, looking for any problems that may have gone unnoticed, and carrying out fixes, if needed, to keep your HVAC system working optimally. Call us at 314-993-1110 or reach out via our contact form to learn more.
