Spring is often a time of renewal and energy, but for those with allergies related to air quality, it can be challenging. Over a quarter of U.S. adults suffer from seasonal allergies, making it tempting to delay spring cleaning until later in the year. However, one task you shouldn’t skip is cleaning your HVAC system’s vents, registers, and filters.
Richie Drew, vice president of operations at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, highlighted the various causes of indoor air quality issues. Factors like pet hair, dirty ducts, and filters, as well as home design, can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Drew emphasized the importance of keeping your HVAC system well-maintained, starting with cleaning vents and registers, which can be done by the average person.
Maintaining properly rated air filters in your system is crucial. A dirty or clogged filter can cause your HVAC system to work harder and be less efficient, impacting indoor air quality. Drew explained that many modern homes trap dirty and stale air indoors, leading to indoor air pollution that can trigger health concerns.
Cleaning ducts, registers, and vents
The components that deliver heated and conditioned air to your home are prone to collecting dust and pollutants. This includes vents, registers, returns, and ductwork. Drew advised homeowners to keep their HVAC systems clean and seek professional help for more challenging tasks. Cleaning vents and registers can be done with a flexible duster or vacuum, but cleaning ducts requires professional assistance to reach deep into the system.
Cleaning ducts can result in cleaner air and reduce airflow noise in some cases.
Why HVAC air filters are important
HVAC filters play a crucial role in keeping indoor air clean. It’s essential to regularly change dirty filters to reduce strain on the system and maintain air quality. Choosing the right replacement filter with the correct MERV rating is key to reducing allergens in your home. Filters with a rating between MERV 8 and 13 are recommended for most homes, balancing air quality and system performance.
Consulting your owner’s manual or an HVAC professional can help you determine the right MERV rating for your system. Regardless of the season, replacing HVAC air filters year-round is important for maintaining indoor air quality.
