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Air conditioning vents are used to redirect airflow from the HVAC unit to the room, and these vents provide better air quality by running the treated air through air filters. When the vent cover is broken, it can lead to dust and debris flying into the room, as well as inconsistent airflow. Your AC unit may not work properly with busted AC vent covers.
Diagnosing Faulty AC Vents
#1 Visible Damage
The most common reason to replace air conditioning vent covers is when there is visible damage to the AC vents. Air conditioning vents should be replaced every 15-20 years, but visible damage from wear and tear, accidents, and mishaps may cause you to replace one or all of the vent covers abruptly.
Visible damage that can disrupt airflow include bent vent covers, loose vent covers, broken fins, moldy or stained vent cover, and more. These are not only unsightly, but they will negatively affect the functionality of your air conditioning system.
#2 Inadequate Air Flow
Inadequate airflow can be caused by a number of issues with the HVAC system, one of which is a busted vent cover. If the vent cover is blocked, broken, or bent, it can cause an inconsistent flow of air to come out of the air vents. Broken covers may also block the return air vents, causing weak air circulation around the room. Inadequate airflow may cause higher energy bills.
#3 Noisy Vents
If the vents are noisy, this may be due to loose vent covers, broken vents, debris, or clogged air filters. Inspect the HVAC system to find the source of the sound, and go for air conditioning vents replacement if the sound is due to faulty vent covers.
How to Replace AC Vent Covers: A Step-by-step Guide
Replacing air conditioning vents is relatively simple, and can be done without the help of a professional contractor as long as you have the tools and skills to remove and replace your air conditioner vent covers.
Step 1: Shut Off the Air Conditioner
First, cut the power to your air conditioner. This will prevent accidental electrocution, and will avoid mishaps where the AC unit is suddenly powered on as you replace the vent covers.
Step 2: Remove the Faulty Vent Cover
Remove the faulty vent covers. Depending on the type of air vents you have, your air conditioner vent covers may be bolted into the wall or ceiling. Use a screwdriver or power drill to remove the screws, and set them aside for later use.
Step 3: Place the New AC Vent Covers
Place the new vent covers into the vent opening. Before you do this, check if the air filter is in need of a cleaning, and clean or replace the air filter for better indoor air quality. Once the filter has been cleaned, you can lock the new vents in place, making sure there is no gap between the covers and the wall opening.
Step 4: Secure the AC Vent Covers
Secure the vent covers. If your AC vents were originally bolted in, use a screwdriver or a power drill to secure the screws into place. This will prevent your vent covers from moving around due to the vibrations made during AC operations.
Cost to Replace Air Conditioning Vents
Replacing the vent covers of your AC system is more affordable than getting ductwork replacement as you're only replacing the grid panels covering the vent openings. Depending on the size, material, and specifications of your vents, you may purchase vent covers under $20, or as high as $50 per panel.
Where to Buy Replacement Vent Covers
#1 Home Improvement Stores
Most home improvement stores have vent covers that can fit into standard ductwork openings. You will need to measure out every vent opening you're looking to replace as not all vent openings in your home may have the same specifications. Scout for the best prices across different stores, and compare different materials as well.
#2 Air Conditioning Repair
Some air conditioning repair shops, such as Luce Aircon, offer purchasing services to make it convenient for homeowners to find air conditioner parts and components they need for repairs, and replacements. Our purchasing services will match you with the exact item you need to keep your entire system up and running smoothly.
Contact us today, and we'll help you find what you need!
