When in use, air conditioning vents accumulate a lot of grime and dirt that’s been circulating in the air. Unfortunately, this can negatively impact indoor air quality and your HVAC system. Vents should be cleaned when they look dirty to maintain optimal air quality. At Bormida Heating & Cooling in Springfield, IL, we know how important your AC and air quality are, and one of the best ways to avoid a costly air conditioning replacement is to maintain your vents and ductwork. That’s why we recommend regular air conditioner vent cleanings, and we’re here to teach you how to do it correctly.
Before you begin, you’ll need a few household items on hand:
- A screwdriver that matches the screws on your vents
- A vacuum with a hose attachment
- A scrubbing brush and a duster
- Dish soap
- Gloves
Step 1: Turn Off the System and Remove the Vents
Before you begin, make sure your HVAC system is turned off. This can usually be done on your thermostat, or you can manually turn it off.
Once you’ve confirmed the HVAC is off, it’s time to remove the vents. Some come off on their own, but most are screwed in. The vents will be dirty if it’s been a while since you last cleaned them. Set them aside.
Step 2: Vacuum the Ducts
Use your vacuum’s hose attachment or a handheld vacuum to clean out the ducts. You’ll only be able to reach the dirt closest to the vent with your vacuum, but if you need a full air duct cleaning, contact a professional like the ones on our staff at Bormida Heating & Cooling in Springfield, IL.
Step 3: Dust the Vents
Now, take your dusty vents and use a duster to remove as much dirt as you can. Doing this outside can help prevent dust from being recirculated back into your indoor air. If indoors, try to dust them inside a trash bag to trap the dust and debris.
Step 4: Soak the Vents
In a solution of warm water and dish soap, soak your vents for 15 minutes. You can do this in a sink, a bathtub, or even a bucket if you have one. Make sure the vents are thoroughly cleaned, and scrub away any stubborn gunk with a scrubbing brush if needed.
Step 5: Dry and Reinstall the Vents
After cleaning the vents, dry them off with a towel. A little residual water is fine, but the dryer they are, the cleaner they’ll stay since dust won’t get trapped in the water. Then, reinstall the vents.
Step 6: Replace the Air Filter
Finally, check the furnace air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Once it’s replaced, you can turn the HVAC back on, and it’s ready to run.
Contact Bormida Heating & Cooling for Your HVAC Needs
At Bormida Heating & Cooling in Springfield, IL, we provide heating, cooling, refrigeration, and air quality services to keep your air fresh and clean. Some of our services include AC repairs, AC replacement, furnace repairs, and furnace replacements. Whether you need a maintenance check, duct cleaning, or help with another HVAC problem, call us at 217.210.2662 to get started.
