I'm noticing that my laptop fans are running more and louder than when I first bought my laptop. I'm pretty sure its not software related (I have no viruses and spyware/adware as far as I know: I use Up to date Norton Antivirus, Spybot, and AdAware.) Do I have to open my laptop and clean the vents now and then or what is causing the problem?

There may not be a problem. If your fans are running smoothly, and you don't hear any rattling, wierd humming or vibrations on startup or running, they are doing the job. If you hear vibrations or a sound like an angry bee trapped inside your laptop, there would most likely be a bearing wearing out in one of them.

Check your fan vent for dust buildup or blockage. If you see some, use a soft brush to gently dust if off as far in as you can get. If you know how to pop the cover you can inspect inside, if not better leave it be or hire a service to do it. Virii or Malware will not cause fan noise, so you can safely rule that out.

Might want to look at your power management settings. Have you changed any settings there lately? Also, it has been very hot lately in most parts of the country (or world for that matter). Even though you have the A/C on, it might not be as cool or humidity free in the room area as it once had been.