Fresh Start in 2024: Cleaning Dryer Vents, Air Ducts, and Overlooked Home Areas

It felt like the day might never come, but 2023 is finally behind us. Happy New Year to all! As we move into 2024, countless people are already busy making sure this year gets off to a good start. A little home maintenance and cleaning is a great way to do that. 

While spring is a great time to focus on landscaping and exterior cleaning, January is the perfect time to focus on the inside of your home. Even if you keep your house relatively clean from week to week, there are certain areas that almost all of us overlook. In fact, those are the best places to start this year. 

Inspecting Your Dryer Vents and Air Ducts 

Two areas often overlooked are dryer vents and air ducts. Keeping your dryer vents clean can help your machine last longer and prevent dangerous house fires. Your dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year, but depending on the size of your dryer and how often you use it, you might need the vents cleaned more frequently.

Air ducts should be professionally cleaned every three years or so. Having a professional come look is a good idea if it’s been longer than that or you’re unsure when they were last cleaned. There can be a lot hiding in your air ducts.

Clean air ducts will leave your home’s air fresher and healthier.

For dryer vent and air duct cleaning in Columbus, Springfield, Dayton, and the surrounding Ohio communities, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today. We can help you start your year right.

Other Overlooked Cleaning Areas 

Countertops, floors, furniture, and dishes tend to get most of the focus when you’re tidying up your house. However, many other areas of your home could likely use some polish. Let's look up before you start cleaning everything in front of you. Let’s examine your light fixtures, fans, and anything else suspended from the ceiling.

Once those are clean, it’s time to look down at your baseboards. Though they may look fine from a distance, after taking a closer look, you might discover they’re surprisingly dirty.

With a little scrubbing, dusting, and polishing, you’ll be surprised by how much of a difference clean baseboards and trim make.

Next, check your window blinds. Certain types of blinds, especially thin Venetian blinds, can be particularly frustrating to clean. However, you’ll find the effort worth it after putting in the time. The contrast between dirty and clean blinds is night and day.

With those out of the way, it’s time for your appliances. After the holiday season, appliances can be especially dirtied. A deep clean can leave them looking almost brand new. Make sure to empty the fridge when you clean as well.

There’s a good chance you’ll find some expired holiday leftovers in there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing Before Basement Renovation

Short-term tests typically run for 48 to 96 hours. That’s enough to get a clear baseline before renovation. If you're on a tight timeline, we offer same-day professional radon testing, using calibrated digital monitors with faster turnaround and higher accuracy.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Schedule your test at least a week before framing or insulation begins — that gives you time to take action if mitigation is needed.

Often, yes. Finishing a basement reduces natural ventilation, seals air pathways, and creates negative pressure zones — all of which can trap radon gas inside. We frequently see radon levels double or triple after renovation.

If you plan to install drywall, flooring, or closed-cell insulation, test first. It's much harder to retrofit a system once the space is finished.

Absolutely. In fact, newer energy-efficient homes are often more airtight, which can amplify radon accumulation.
Radon isn’t about age — it’s about soil conditions, slab construction, and airflow. We’ve mitigated brand-new builds in Columbus that tested over 10.0 pCi/L before occupancy.

The EPA recommends testing every 2 years, but after a basement remodel, you should test immediately after the work is complete — even if you tested beforehand.

🎯 And if you already have a radon mitigation system, make sure to re-test after any HVAC upgrades, insulation changes, or new construction that may affect airflow.

  • Below 2.0 pCi/L: No action needed — considered low risk.
  • 2.0 to 3.9 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if children live in the home.
  • 4.0+ pCi/L: The EPA’s action threshold. Mitigation is strongly advised.

🔎 We’ve seen plenty of “borderline” homes spike to dangerous levels after finishing — so if you're anywhere near 4.0 pCi/L, don't wait.

Final Takeaway: Test First, Then Build

The only way to ensure a safe renovation is through early detection. Testing for radon before finishing your basement isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Call (614) 799-8530 to schedule a professional radon consultation Licensed. Proven. Local. - Get answers before you build — and breathe cleaner air afterward.

Serving Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Cincinnati, and all of Central Ohio

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