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Heating and air-conditioning vents should be vacuumed using a brush attachment at the beginning of the heating or cooling season and regularly as each season progresses. Don’t overlook the return-air vents, which is where most dust accumulates. This is due both to their larger size and function, which is to send room air back to the furnace (or evaporator) for re-conditioning.

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If some of your heating vents are mounted on the floor, be sure to remove them at the start of each season and use the brush attachment and crevice tool to vacuum ducts within reach below the vent. These ducts tend to be magnets for dust, carpet fluff and small objects that fall through vent grates. The dust will be spewed back up into the room if neglected when the system starts up for the season. Standard metal floor vents are unattached and may be pried up with fingers and hands. Upgraded vents may be attached to the subfloor by regular screws or nuts.

Grime, grease or spills easily wash off standard metal vents, which are usually coated in enamel paint. Remove the vent assembly, spray some all-purpose cleaner (or a mixture of water with a few drops of hand dishwashing liquid) onto both sides of grates and airflow vanes and let it work for a couple of minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any remaining spots. Rinse well and dry thoroughly by shaking excess water out of the assembly, then drying it with an old towel. Use a hair dryer to remove remaining moisture from mechanical joints, which are prone to rust. These joints, which help regulate airflow, can be lightly treated with a spray lubricant to help prevent rust and aid functionality.

Lacquered brass or metal vents can be washed and dried the same way, but don’t use any abrasives, which will scratch or remove the lacquer. Skip the toothbrush and use only a sponge or cloth. Allow stubborn spots to soak for a while before scrubbing and rinsing.