Troubleshooting Home Heating Vents

One of the most important systems to maintain in any home or business is the heating and cooling system. Not only does it provide comfort and relief from the varying weather, it can also cost a small fortune to fix if left untended for long stretches of time. While most people remember to check the boiler or furnace and change the filters each fall, many forget about the most visible component of the system: the vents. Due to their number, being spread throughout the home or business, and their proximity, they are prone to a fair share of wear and tear. Keeping a heating system running efficiently means maintaining your heating vents.

Screwdriver
Vacuum
Flashlight

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect all forced hot air vents. First visually inspect the vent. Be sure there is nothing obstructing an even flow of air. Move any furniture, rugs or carpet that may be blocking it. Insure that the vents are indeed open. Many vents have small levers to open and close them depending on the season. Open vents to clean.
- 2
  Vacuum the vents. Use a high-powered vacuum, such as a shop-vac, to clean the vent grill thoroughly. Use a brush attachment to scrub the grill of any pollen or dust build-up.
- 3
  Clean inside the duct. Remove the grill. Normally there are one or two small screws holding the grill in place. Remove these with the appropriate screwdriver. Then use the hose attachment on the vacuum and clean out the duct as far as you can reach.
- 4
  Make a final inspection. Use a flashlight to look as far into the duct as possible. Occasionally small toys or other items can fall down the vent and over time will cause dust and grime to build up around them. Remove any objects visible.

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