The quality of air inside our homes and offices are very much defined by our air conditioners. You can buy a high-end, top-of-the-line model or an economic but efficient one, but those two types won't do you any good if you don't take care of them properly.
Aside from cleaning or replacing air filters regularly, vents and ducts should also be checked to ensure that dirt isn't building up. If yours are excessively dirty, professional air duct cleaning services are available in Castle Rock, Colorado and other locations.
If you need to know the indicators of a vent or duct that needs thorough cleaning or repair, this simple guide might help you.
1. Matted Dust
Dust is the most common type of dirt you'd see in your vents and ducts. You may notice specks coming out of the vents when the HVAC system is turned on. If you take a closer look, you may notice other materials, such as hair or pet fur.
When the ducts and vents collect dust over time, it would become matted dust,and that's harder to clean. When you notice that your vents are starting to emit visible dust, open the vent cover and check on the ducts before the problem gets worse.
2. Clogged Filters
If you don't clean your filter regularly, dirt and dust will also build up there, extending to the ducts. It may also damage your HVAC system because dirty air filters will clog the air.
3. Dirt Buildup Inside the Machine
To check your HVAC system thoroughly, open the compartment and check on the furnaces, blower fan, motor, and coils. If you see that thick dust and other debris have started to build up, then you're going to need excessive cleaning to avoid severe damage.
4. Dirt Streak in Vents
These are the dirt lining up around the vents. One of the real causes for this is actually the room where the vent is placed. All around the room, there could be dust, dirt, or pet dander that gets mixed up in the air. The conditioned air from your HVAC system would interact with these dirt particles, causing the dirt buildup along the edges of the vent.
Too much or very little moisture also affects the vents. With excessive moisture, sticky particles in the air may end up lingering in the vent, forming dirt. When the air is too dry, on the other hand, dirt particles may be attracted to surfaces, including the vents.
Minimizing Dirt Buildup
Prevention is the best you can do to keep dirt at bay. To ensure that dirt won't build up in your air vents and ducts, prioritize replacing your air filter every three months at a minimum. Clean the room where the vent is regularly, especially if you have young children and pets in the house. If dirt is still building up, examine where the source could possibly be and perform an immediate cleanup.
You may also add air purifiers around your house or office to improve air quality. Replacing your ordinary air filter with a better one could also help minimize the buildup of dust and dirt.
Lastly, don't hesitate to consult professionals if you can no longer handle the dirt. Worse dirt buildup could cause mold and pest infestation, which can make you sick. To keep this from happening, get the services of professional air duct cleaners while the dirt buildup isn't extreme yet.
