Do Your Part Between Professional Duct Cleaning

Maintaining an annual duct cleaning schedule is necessary to boost energy efficiency and improve the quality of air inside of your home. However, maintaining a clean duct is not a one off job. There are plenty of small tasks you can perform throughout the year to maintain your ducts and reduce the amount of build up experienced throughout the year. By exercising these tasks, you'll continue to keep energy consumption down while also reducing dust, dander and other debris in the air. 

Replace the Air Filter

This is a must. You should replace the air filter at least every four to six weeks. Over time, the filter becomes corroded and is unable to prevent debris from entering the air in the house. There are specially designed filters if you have pets, someone smokes in the house or one of your family members has significant airborne allergies. Just make sure you have the proper measurements of your filter before heading to the store. 

Clothes Dryer

First, the clothes dryer should vent outside. Some older homes have the vent released the hot air into the attic or just the ceiling of a basement. Beyond this, make sure to clean out both the clothes dryer's lint collector and the line running out of the house. While you are at it, make sure the vent is properly connected. A loose dryer connection results in dust, lint and other dander drifting out and making its way eventually into the home's ventilation system.   

Shoes Off

Do you wear your shoes throughout the house? Sometimes it is just easier to leave your shoes on. However, this tracks in more dirt and dust into the house than anything else. Not only does this dirt eventually make its way into the air ducts but it also deteriorates your carpet, collect on the furniture and cause different problems all together. It is a simple fix, but one you don't need to spend a dime on and yet still make a significant improvement. 

Seal Air Leaks

Locate air leaks around the house. These are most often found by window and door frames, but there can be cracks near the foundation as well. Filling in these leaks not only reducing airborne debris from entering your home, it also reduces your energy consumption as well.