How to Properly Clean Your AC Vents in Burbank

If you’ve never included vent cleaning in your list of regular home maintenance tasks, it might be time to add this simple task to your spring cleaning list. Cleaning your air vents regularly can help with allergies, breathing problems or poor sleep caused by poor indoor air quality. It also helps control the spread of dust and other allergens that irritate the respiratory system, and keeps you informed about the condition of your home cooling system and any problems that may be about to arise. Here are some easy steps for DIY vent cleaning in your home.

Turn off the AC Unit

To keep yourself safe and ensure good results, always turn off the home cooling system before you begin the process of DIY vent cleaning. This will stop dust and dirt from moving through the system, effectively trapping it in one spot so you can capture it with your tools.

Remove covers and grilles

Air duct covers and wall grilles can act as dust traps, catching pollutants before they reach the surface, so it’s important to wipe these clean as part of your AC maintenance, or the dust will simply recirculate in the air.

Use proper tools to clean

Your ductwork extends far beyond what you can see through the opening, so using the right tools to get deep inside is key to make sure you get rid of as much dust as possible. Choose a powerful vacuum with a long hose so you can reach far into the ducts. It’s a good idea to check occasionally and make sure the dust and debris coming out of your AC unit are dry. Wet material can be a sign of water entering the ductwork, leading to mold and mildew growth. If you do see any evidence of mold or mildew, you should contact a professional to come have a look as soon as possible.

Clean ceiling vents

Once you’ve cleaned out the vents built into your walls and floors, it’s time to clean the ones that pump air into your home from the ceiling. As you work, there’s a chance of dust and debris falling on you, so be sure to wear protective gear like goggles or a dust mask. This will keep you from breathing in dust particles as you work.

If you find evidence of an issue with your AC unit as you clean, or want someone to handle heater maintenance for you, contact an experienced air conditioning and heating repair company. Certified AC Service has over 30 years of experience helping homeowners in the Burbank, California area. Contact us today to get fast, affordable service.