It’s officially fall across most of the United States right now, which means it’s time for families to start preparing for more time spent indoors. 

As much as we all enjoy focusing on the warm drinks and cozy blankets associated with fall, it’s incredibly important for homeowners to take their fall cleaning seriously when it comes to health-related factors like indoor air quality (IAQ).

While many people focus on things like carpets, windows and clutter, one of the typically overlooked home upkeep tasks is vent cleaning. We recently spoke with some renowned vent cleaning experts based in westminster colorado to better understand why homeowners should take vent cleaning seriously this fall, and the answers we received were generally pretty alarming…

So, check out the below sections to learn more about why vent cleaning matters this time of year, the many health benefits associated with clean household vents, energy efficiency improvements, and common warning signs indicating that it’s time for you to get your home’s vents professionally cleaned!

Why Vent Cleaning Is Important During The Fall Months 

A lot of homeowners forget about this, but HVAC systems often work overtime during the summer months in order to properly circulate cool air throughout a property. This subsequently means that pet hair, pollen, dust and other airborne particles inevitably make their way into ductwork systems. 

When you make the switch from cooling to heating during the fall months, these contaminants often get blown into your living spaces—which detrimentally impacts both HVAC efficiency and air quality. 

Fall just so happens to be the perfect time to invest in professional vent cleaning services because it goes a long way to prepare your home for much heavier HVAC workloads during the winter months. Clean vents guarantee that your furnace will run as efficiently as possible, while also evenly circulating warm air and keeping energy bills more manageable. 

And most importantly, thorough vent cleaning drastically reduces the irritants and allergens that typically linger all winter long! 

The Common Health Benefits Associated With Clean Household Vents 

If you’re noticing any increasing in coughing, sneezing or congestion from yourself or a loved one, it could be due to dirty vents at your home. 

Over time, household ducts tend to harbor mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and all sorts of other bacteria—which unfortunately recirculates throughout your system every time you turn your heater on.

By scheduling professional vent cleaning services during fall months like October and November, you’ll improve your system’s airflow and protect your family’s respiratory health this winter. Clean indoor air significantly reduces the symptoms associated with asthma and allergies, and it also supports better sleep patterns. 

This is why vent cleaning is particularly important for families with pets, seniors and children who need cleaner air during the winter more than others!

The Connection Between Vent Cleaning & Energy Efficiency 

Clean vents also go a step further than simply making your household healthier, because these services will also improve your HVAC system’s long-term efficiency. 

When your ductwork system is significantly clogged with debris, it’ll force your heat pump or furnace to work much harder than it’s actually supposed to. This type of added system straining will increase your property’s overall energy consumption, and it’ll also significantly shorten your HVAC system’s functional lifespan.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, basic maintenance of air ducts can improve your system efficiency by 20-30%. So, it goes to show how clean vents are good for your lungs, your wallet, and your property’s long-term carbon footprint! 

Red Flags Indicating It’s Time For You To Invest In Vent Cleaning Services 

No one actually needs to see the inner workings of their ducts to understand when it’s a good time to schedule professional vent cleaning services. 

Some of the common red flag warning signs that homeowners should be on the lookout for include the following:

• Uneven heating between rooms that feels stagnant or stuffy
• Visible dust collecting on duct surfaces, even after DIY cleanings
• Musty odors emanating throughout your home when your heating system is turned on
• Increased respiratory irritation and allergy symptoms while at home

If any of the above symptoms sound familiar to what you’re currently experiencing this fall, it could be time to schedule a vent cleaning appointment with your local specialists to get your home more prepared for a safer and healthier winter!

Getting A Fresh Start Before The Upcoming Winter Season 

A good way to think about vent cleaning is that it’s essentially like a reset for your home’s indoor environment. 

This is why it’s often considered to be a great complement to other fall cleaning routines, because adding it to your to-do list will help prepare your home for better heating efficiency and indoor air quality.

This small-yet-powerful maintenance task will undoubtedly transform how your entire household feels while resting and staying warm all winter long! 

Published by HOLR Magazine.