As we spend most of our time indoors, having clean air to breathe is crucial for our health. Air vents play a vital role in circulating the air and regulating the temperature inside your apartment. However, over time, these vents can accumulate dust and debris that affect the quality of the air you breathe. Cleaning air vents may seem like a daunting task, but it’s simple and easy to do yourself! In this blog post, we will guide you through five easy steps on how to clean air vents in your apartment so that you can enjoy fresh and healthy indoor air all year round!
Importance of Air Vents Cleaning
Before we get to the “how to” part, let’s address the importance of doing it. Air vents are a crucial component of any apartment’s HVAC system, responsible for circulating air and maintaining optimal temperatures. Over time, these vents accumulate dust particles, debris, pet hair, and other allergens which can significantly affect indoor air quality. Dirty air vents can cause various health problems such as respiratory issues or allergies. When the air inside your home is polluted with contaminants from dirty ductwork or blocked vents, it puts you at risk of developing serious health conditions.
Moreover, a clogged vent also reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system by making it work harder to maintain temperature levels leading to high energy bills. Cleaning your apartment’s air vents regularly not only ensures that you breathe clean fresh air but also helps in extending the life span of your heating and cooling systems. In summary, cleaning your apartment’s air vents plays an important role in keeping indoor spaces healthy and comfortable for living while saving on energy costs as well. This job is mostly DIY unless it needs a professional touch. Just make sure you have proper HVAC cleaning tools and just follow the tips mentioned below.
5 Steps to follow while cleaning the air vent
1. Make sure you turn off the main HVAC system switch:
Before you start cleaning the air vents in your apartment, it is essential to turn off the main HVAC system switch. This step will ensure that there is no power running to the vents while you are cleaning them. The main HVAC switch can usually be found near your furnace or air conditioner unit and may be labelled as “on/off” or simply “power.” Make sure to turn off this switch before proceeding with any further steps. Turning off the main HVAC system switch will also prevent any debris from being blown into your living space during the cleaning process. It’s important to note that if you have a central air conditioning system, turning off only one vent will not stop airflow throughout your home. By turning off the main HVAC system switch, you’re taking an important safety precaution and ensuring thorough cleaning of your air vents. This simple step can save you time and effort in the long run by preventing dust and debris from accumulating in hard-to-reach areas of your ventilation system.
2. Remove the cover and clean any debris inside the air vent:
The second step to cleaning air vents in an apartment is removing the cover and cleaning any debris inside. This step is crucial since dust, dirt, and other particles can accumulate inside the vent over time. Removing the cover allows you to access the interior of the vent where debris may have gathered. To remove the cover, use a screwdriver or follow manufacturer instructions for your specific type of air vent. Once removed, inspect it for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear. If there are no issues with the cover itself, place it aside and focus on cleaning out any debris that may be present inside. Using a flashlight can help identify areas that need attention.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove dust from the air vent exterior:
After removing the cover, it’s time to tackle the exterior of your air vent. Dust and debris can easily accumulate on the surface over time, which is why it’s important to give it a good cleaning. Using a vacuum cleaner attachment or brush, gently remove any dust that has settled on the exterior of the air vent. Be sure to pay extra attention to any nooks and crannies where dirt may have built up. If you’re using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, use low suction power so you don’t accidentally damage any delicate parts of your air vents. You can also use a disposable electrostatic cloth for this step if you prefer. When brushing away dust from the air vent exterior, be careful not to push too hard as this could cause damage or breakage.
4. Clean out any dust that has accumulated in between coils:
Cleaning the coils is an essential part of air vent cleaning. Accumulated dust and debris in between the coils can hinder airflow, reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system. To begin with, make sure you have turned off your main HVAC system switch before proceeding to clean the coils. Next, use a soft brush or cloth to dislodge any visible dust particles from between each coil. For stubborn dirt that has accumulated within hard-to-reach areas between coils, consider using a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment. This will ensure that all dirt and debris are thoroughly removed without causing damage to delicate parts of your air vents.
5. Replace the air vent covers:
Now that you have cleaned the interior and exterior of the air vent and removed all debris, it is time to replace the air vent covers. This step is crucial as it ensures a clean and proper airflow in your apartment. When replacing the covers, make sure to choose the right size for your vents. Using a cover that does not fit properly can cause gaps where dust and debris can accumulate again. Clean the cover before placing it back on top of the vent. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth will do just fine. You may also use a mild soap if needed but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage or scratch your covers.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, cleaning air vents is an important task that should not be overlooked. By following the five steps outlined above, you can ensure that your apartment’s HVAC system is free of debris and dust buildup. This will improve the quality of the air you breathe and may even lower your energy bills. However, it is important to note that while cleaning your air vents can provide some benefits to your home’s indoor air quality, it is not a substitute for professional duct cleaning services. If you suspect there may be deeper issues with your HVAC system or if you haven’t had your ducts cleaned in several years, it’s best to consult with a licensed professional.
FAQ
1) How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?
There are many signs that indicate a clogged air duct. One of the most common signs is blocked airflow. You can feel there is not enough airflow between the ducts. This is the result of clogged ducts. Another major sign is noisy operation. You can also for strong odour, increased power consumption and several other factors to know your ducts need to be cleaned.
2) How much does it cost to get air ducts cleaned?
The cost of cleaning the duct depends on the intensity of the work. The dirtier it is, the costlier it could get. Additionally, it also depends on the size of the air duct. An air duct at home might be cheaper than the one at the factory. However, the average cost of air duct cleaning ranges from $350 and $700.
