How often do you maintain the cleanliness of your HVAC system? Once a year? Never? If you’re not in the habit of keeping your system clean, you’re compromising both your health and your system’s efficiency. At Dust Doctors, we recommend bi-yearly professional duct cleaning for all HVAC systems. That said, two years is more than enough time for debris to accumulate in your system. Between cleanings, we also encourage homeowners to perform routine duct maintenance. What exactly should that entail? Below, we discuss a few useful tips.
Change the Air Filters Regularly
Every homeowner who has an HVAC system knows that the filters require regular changing, though you’d be surprised how many people rarely perform the task. Your HVAC filter is a critical component of your heating and cooling system because it works to maintain system efficiency.
When air circulates through your ducts, the filter traps a substantial amount of dust and airborne debris that would otherwise clog the system’s mechanical components. Over time, the filter eventually fills to capacity, which limits the amount of air that can pass through. A clogged filter not only reduces the overall efficiency of your HVAC system, but it also forces particles back into the air you breathe. Ideally, you should change your filter every 90 days, but if you have pets or allergies, you may require more frequent replacements.
Perform Light HVAC System Cleaning
At Dust Doctors, we recommend air duct cleaning at two-year intervals, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your ducts in the meantime. One simple way you can mitigate ductwork debris accumulation is by performing light cleaning of the various system components. Here’s what you can do:
● Vacuum the area directly behind each of your vents.
● Vacuum the outer portion of the vent.
● Routinely examine your air conditioning unit and furnace for dust accumulation or residue. If you locate buildup, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove it.
While you won’t have our professional tools at your disposal, you can certainly clear away dust and grime from your system’s exterior components. Without regular cleaning, this debris will eventually end up in your ductwork, where it will reduce system efficiency.
Vacuum and Dust Regularly
Perhaps the easiest way to maintain the cleanliness of your vents is to practice routine house cleaning. The average home accumulates several pounds of dust on a yearly basis, so the more dust you can manually remove, the cleaner your ducts will remain. During summer, when foot traffic is typically higher, you may need to vacuum daily. We also recommend weekly dusting with a fiber cloth or duster that’s designed to collect and contain dust and small particles.
Dust Doctors: Your Twin Cities Source for Professional Duct Cleaning
At Dust Doctors, it’s our job to ensure your home’s air quality is in top condition. To achieve that, we specialize in air whip duct cleaning, deep cleaning, air purification systems, and more. While we typically recommend professional duct cleaning every two years, your system’s mileage may vary. If you believe you’re due for a cleaning, it’s time to
contact our team. To learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment, feel free to give us a call at 651-319-9777.
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