If you don't take the time to clean your air vents, you may be putting yourself and your family at risk. Dust and other external particles can accumulate inside the air conditioner and air ducts, leading to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other common symptoms of an asthma attack. These problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning the filter and air ducts. Neglecting air ducts can also cost you money, as heating and cooling will be harder to maintain and your electricity bills will increase.
It is important to consider cleaning your air ducts as they can become dirty over time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary. However, they do suggest that if you have a furnace, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, they be inspected for proper functioning and maintained before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Dirty ducts can cause heating and air conditioning to overheat, resulting in high levels of carbon monoxide. Cleaning your air ducts can also help reduce symptoms of seasonal, dust and pet allergies, and keep your home dust-free.
To find companies that offer duct cleaning services, see the Yellow Pages in the Duct Cleaning section or contact the National Association of Air Duct Cleaners (NADCA). Duct cleaning is not considered a necessary part of the annual maintenance of your heating and cooling system. However, there is little evidence to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase the efficiency of the system. The best way to ensure maximum airflow is to clean the ducts by a professional at least once a year. A clean air duct system helps your air conditioning system work more efficiently, reducing those monthly energy bills.
It also prevents pests from taking up residence in your home. All in all, it is important to keep your air vents clean for both health and financial reasons.
