Your routine home maintenance checklist should definitely include inspecting your furnace and air conditioning ducts for blockage and damage. This is not simply for aesthetic purposes: blocked vents in your heating and cooling system will result in higher energy bills, decreased performance from your HVAC equipment and can even be health hazards. Performing a regular check and learning how to properly maintain air vents will prevent small issues from becoming large issues and add to your overall home comfort.
A simple way to test is to turn on your heating or air conditioning unit and check the airflow at all the different vents. If any of the vents seem to have a diminished airflow, then chances are that there is some blockage. Check the air filter – a clogged filter will seriously restrict the flow of air. Loose insulation or physical damage can lessen the airflow in these vents and ducts
and prevent them from functioning properly.
Another way to maintain air vents properly is to unscrew the vent cover and check the inside of the duct with a flashlight to see if there is any obvious obstruction. Clean the inside of the duct if necessary; also remove any debris that has accumulated inside of it. Also, if you’re able, visually check the ductwork (which may mean going into the attic, basement or crawlspace) to see if there is any obvious damage.
Check to see if the butterfly valve (on the vent cover, which controls the airflow) has been accidently closed or has become stuck in the closed position. These valves are designed to be easily opened and closed using your fingers; confirm that they are functioning properly and that there is no obstructions restricting the airflow into the room.
For more expert advice about heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plus all other issues related to home comfort, please contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been servicing the Twin Cities area in Minnesota for over forty years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air vents and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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