Importance of Cleaning Your HVAC Return Vents Explained

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Importance of Cleaning Your HVAC Return Vents Explained

Should HVAC Vents Be Cleaned?

When it comes to the list of things to clean inside the house, it can seem like it just never ends, right? Most items in a home should be dusted, washed or vacuumed at least once a month, if not more frequently and the same holds true for your hvac system. Central heating and cooling systems are equipped with both supply and return vents and yes, they both could use a good cleaning every now and again.

What is a Return Vent?

While supply vents are the ones that blow warm or cool air out, and are likely the vents you are most familiar with in your home, it’s important to know what a return vent is and where it’s located, too.

Return vents pull air from your home into your hvac system where the air is flows through and is filtered and warmed or cooled depending on the time of year. They’re typically larger than supply vents and can usually be located in their ceiling or in a wall, near the floor.

Why Clean Return Vents?

Your hvac system is equipped with a filter that works to trap dirt, dust and other airborne contaminants so that they don’t continue to be circulated through your home and end up in your lungs. As we mentioned above, the return vent sucks air in and that air then flows through the filter. If your return vents are clean, it means your system’s filter will be cleaner and a clean filter is imperative.

So, how do you clean the return vent? It’s actually quite simple. All you need to do is vacuum it with the dust attachment and if that doesn’t do the trick, you may need to use a microfiber duster to get the stubborn stuff. We suggest refraining from using water or liquid cleaners as they can cause dust and dirt to collect and turn into a paste-like substance.

Heating Tune-Ups & Maintenance in Pittsburgh

If you want to see reduced energy bills, a better-working heating system, and fewer heating repairs, call Wahl Family Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for reliable heating maintenance in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. We offer upfront, flat-rate pricing and a number of financing options with approved credit for new system installation or replacement.