How to Keep Your Ventilation System Clean

The air you breathe and how clean it is makes a big difference in how healthy you and the people in your home are. If the air is filled with pollen, dirt, dust mites, and other pollutants, then you will not feel very good. This problem is even worse if you or someone in your home has an allergy. Poor air quality can make it hard for them to breathe and can make them always feel sick.

We are going to show you how you can clean up your heating and cooling air filtration system and make the air in your home far more breathable.

Change the Filters

Some aspects of air filtration and vent cleaning need to be left up to the professionals. Other aspects are things that you can do for yourself. One of the most important ways to keep your vents and airflow clean and breathable is to clean out the air filters from time to time. Depending on the kind of air filters you have, the kind of air filtration system you have and how often you use it, you will need to change out your filters anywhere from once to twice a year.

Every month or so, you can take a look at your filters and see if they need to be changed out. They will look dirty and worn if they need to be changed out. Make sure you use the same kind of filters that are already being used, so that they work well with your filtration system. Even within the same kind of filter, you can find different kinds of filters with various benefits. You can use hypoallergenic filters or other types that get rid of germs and allergens and help out your air filtration system.

Clean the Vents

Now, you may not be able to clean into the air ducts and get out the debris deep inside, but you can clean the vents and make your air a bit cleaner by doing so. You want to make sure you have the right tools for the job in order to get rid of the dust and dirt effectively. A soft cleaning brush can be used to wipe down the vents. You can take off the vents for the floor or wall by unscrewing them in most cases, and that will allow you to clean the inside and outside of them. It will also help you to look inside the ducts and see if there are any obstructions that need to be removed.

When you are cleaning the vents, be sure to check for water and signs of mold. If you see water, then mold may not be far behind, and if your ventilation system is producing too much water, then you may need to have it repaired or cleaned.

Clean the House

One often overlooked way of keeping a clean ventilation system is to keep a clean house. If there isn’t a lot of dust moving through the house, then there won’t be a lot of dust getting into the ventilation system. The more you clean your house, the less you will have to clean the ventilation system.

Regularly vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and wiping down counters and appliances makes a big difference in how much work your ventilation system has to do and how much cleaning it will need. You’ll save yourself money by not needing to change out the air filters as often or having to call for a cleaning specialist to take care of your ducts. Just doing basic housecleaning chores can really have an impact on not just your ventilation system but also the cleanliness of your house in general. If dust is on the floors and furniture, then it will find its way into the air, and you make your home far more breathable by getting rid of dust and dirt in your home as you see them.

Use Air Purification System

You can use dehumidifiers in your home to improve the air quality as well. These devices will clean up the air and make it purer, giving your air filtration system less to do and your ducts less dust to deal with. It essentially makes your ventilation system’s job easier.

You want to do all you can to decrease how much work your ventilation has to do, as this will help it to last longer and save you a lot of money in the long run. Look for areas of the home that could benefit from a dehumidifier, such as the bathroom or bedroom. These devices allow you to breathe easier and are great for people with asthma, allergies or other problems that can affect how they breathe. Using a dehumidifier can also help people to sleep better at night, since it removes particles from the air that can become irritating.

Perform System Checks

You may not be a ventilation system expert, but you can do a little maintenance work to keep things running smoothly. Check the hoses for leaks or signs of wear. Look at your ventilation system from time to time and pay attention to how it is operating. If you have to change the temperature constantly to get it to perform well or it is making odd noises, then it may be in need of some repairs. Catching these signs of problems early can save you money and keep your ventilation system cleaner. If your system isn’t operating at peak efficiency, then it will probably fill up with dust and dirt and clog up your air, making it difficult to breathe well.

If you do find problems in your ventilation system or signs that it needs to be cleared or repaired, then call in an expert right away. The sooner you deal with these issues, the better your system will work and the more likely you will be to stop smaller problems before they can become bigger ones.