Everyone dreads cleaning those hard-to-reach spaces in their home, from the heat and air conditioning vents to under the refrigerator. Heatmasters understands that your HVAC needs care throughout the year, especially during the drastic change in seasons in Chicago. Heatmasters can provide all your HVAC needs in the Chicagoland area and help you understand what you need to do to maintain your systems. Check out these tips so that you can keep your heat and air conditioning vents clean and working properly and some other tough spots that need to be cleaned routinely.
Heat and Air Conditioning Vents and Radiators
Maintaining your heat and air conditioning vents and radiators is important not only in terms of being cost-efficient but also keeping the air blowing in and throughout your home clean. When dust builds up it traps allergens and then is released into the air in your home. The dust makes your heating and cooling systems work a lot harder, which in turn costs you more money to keep them up and running. It only takes about 15 minutes per unit to clean. For vents to start, turn off your heat or air conditioning and run the crevice tool of a vacuum over the floor and baseboard vents. For ceiling vents, be sure to put a sheet or paper towels on the ground and wear a baseball cap to prevent more of a mess. If the crevice tool does not reach, use a duster with an extension pole. Next you need to remove the vent covers, which will require a screwdriver, and use a stepladder for ceiling vents. Wash the covers with dish soap and a small sponge paintbrush. Clean inside the ducts as far as you can reach, with the crevice tool or a duster. When they are dry, replace the covers.
For radiators, dust between the radiator fins with a bottle brush. Don’t use water because it can cause rust. Try to clean both your vents and radiator twice a year. If you are having other problems with your HVAC systems, Heatmasters can provide immediate care in the Chicagoland area and has tips and advice for how maintain them throughout the year.
Cleaning Behind and Under the Refrigerator
Under and behind the refrigerator appear as though they are some of the tougher spots to clean in your home. However, it is important to reach them because lots of dust on the coils can cause the refrigerator to run inefficiently and the dust can mix with moisture from the air and mess with the finish on your floor. First, pull out the refrigerator and when you can, reach out and pull the plug (your food will survive for the quick clean). If you have an ice maker, shut off the water supply first, in case the hose comes loose. To get rid of dust around the condenser coils, use a long, thin tool called a refrigerator-coil brush and then gently vacuum with a brush attachment. Wipe off the wall, the back of the refrigerator and the sides with a damp washcloth and dish soap. Vacuum and clean the floor with a solution of ⅓ cup white vinegar and ½ gallon warm water. For tile and stone, be sure to check out special cleaner if necessary. When the floor is dry, plug in the refrigerator and slide it back into place. Switch your water back on. This is a job that should be done twice a year.
Cleaning the tough spots in your house may seem unnecessary, however, to maintain your home it is important to reach those places every so often. All you need is the right tools and you will be set and satisfied with a job well done. If you think your heating and cooling systems need more than a quick clean, contact Heatmasters today for your HVAC problems, repairs, or installation in Chicago.
Courtesy of: Real Simple
