Proper Maintenance of Home Ventilation Systems

​Maintaining your home’s ventilation system is one of the most vital parts of homeownership. Proper heating and air conditioning are necessary for maintaining comfort levels, as well as air purification. Clean ductwork and filters ensure your home remains free of allergens, mold, and other harmful pathogens.

A well-maintained ventilation system can also help save on utility bills. A heating or air conditioning unit often works overtime due to a dirty filter, blocked vents, or faulty ductwork. This can cause your system extra mechanical strain and result in much more gas or electric usage every month.

One way to improve air purification is to check all exhaust fans regularly. This includes fans in bathrooms and kitchens, which remove bad odors and exchange humid air with fresh air. Excess humidity can cause mildew to build up, which is harmful to breathe and difficult to clean.

Changing the home’s air filter is also vital for maintaining air quality. According to the Washington Post, modern homes are more energy-efficient and better insulated, which can cause air to get trapped inside. Without a proper air filter, polluted air gets stuck in the house and inhaled every day. Air filters are usually found at the large air intake vent on an interior wall.

The most affordable filter type is a flat panel made with tiny strands of fiberglass. The next is a pleated filter, which is thicker and offers more purification due to the increased surface area created by the added pleats. One of the best types is the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter: these filters reduce 99.97 percent of small particles in the air and are endorsed by the U.S. Energy Department. Most filters are easy to install and should be changed monthly.

After the air enters the intake filter, it is heated or cooled and enters the ductwork into various rooms of your home. Ensure your system’s fan is on, but the heating and cooling elements are turned off. Unscrew the panels to your supply vents, where the air enters each room. Place paper towels between the vent and the ceiling to cover the slots in the vent. This will prevent any loosened particles from entering each room.

Remove caked dust from ducts by lightly tapping inside or outside any accessible areas. A handheld vacuum can help trap loosened dust during this process. Use a damp cloth and wipe as far as you can reach into the duct. Have a professional test your home if you encounter mold or mildew, as it can be dangerous to inhale.

To remove more dust, clean the furnace and fan as well. Make sure the entire system and fans are turned completely off, then remove the panels on your furnace to access the blower department. Use a vacuum to remove dust and wipe the bottom of the connected air return.

While all of the vents are open, this is also a good time to look for any damaged ductwork. Check near the metal seams and where the duct connects to the home’s framework. You may have signs of damaged ductwork causing an air leak if you notice higher utility bills, more dust throughout the home, or if certain areas seem inexplicably warmer than others. For the best maintenance, have a professional check for these issues and more during an annual visit.

Vamco Sheet Metal Inc, IndustryTopics

Shop