Clogged or dirty air conditioner vents are often the source of chronic problems with AC systems. Diminished indoor air quality, greater and less efficient power consumption and even total AC system breakdown are all possible consequences of not regularly cleaning your AC vents. Luckily, there are a few simple things that all homeowners in Ocala, FL can do to keep their vents clean.
What You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few basic supplies to clean your AC vents. They include:
- Dish soap
- Scrubbing brush
- Duster
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
How to Clean Your AC Vents
The cleaning process is the same regardless of whether you plan to clean floor, ceiling or wall vents. Before doing anything else, turn off your HVAC system. Not only is it virtually impossible to clean your vents while air is flowing through them, but you don’t want to take the risk of bringing water into contact with electrically powered equipment while that equipment is still running.
Next, put on your gloves and remove the vents by unscrewing the screws that hold them in place. Then, take your duster and gently dust off the vents while remaining careful not to allow the dust to waft off through the air. After this, soak the vents in a bucket or tub of soapy water for about 10 to 15 minutes, scrub them with your brush if you notice any grime on them that doesn’t easily come off and then dry them with a towel.
You May Need to Clean the Ducts As Well
Cleaning your AC ducts may pose a bit more of a challenge than just cleaning your vents, but you’ll want to do this to maximize system longevity and performance. For this, take your vacuum cleaner and try to vacuum up as much dust from inside the ducts as you can.
Although doing this can certainly be helpful, it won’t compare to the kind of comprehensive deep cleaning that a trained HVAC professional can give you. If you think you might need this, Senica Air Conditioning provides duct cleaning and sealing services for those living in our service area.
Persistently dirty air vents and ducts are a very common cause of long-term decline in HVAC system performance. We strongly recommend cleaning them at least once every three to five years if you want to maintain system performance and breathe clean air. If you need duct cleaning or any other kind of AC services in Ocala, FL, don’t hesitate to call our team at Senica Air Conditioning today.
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