No one likes it when there is dust buildup in any part of the house. It is not only an unpleasant sight to behold, but it can also decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system. Furthermore, if you do not get to the bottom of things right away, it might cause even more pressing problems in the future. 

We are not only talking about issues with your HVAC either. Dust buildup, after all, is also harmful for your eyes, lungs, and skin. Which is why if you spot dust buildup in your AC ducts, you want to get professional help as soon as possible by checking out a good HVAC agency’s website like https://www.directac123.com/air-quality/air-duct-cleaning.

It might feel impossible to get rid of all the dust in your home, but there are small things that you can do to reduce the amount that builds up in the AC ducts. We recommend trying out the following to prevent any dust buildup from forming in the first place:

Clean the ducts

Most of the time, dust comes out of the vents because the duct is dirty. The dust often contains fibers, dirt, pet dander, and smoke. When they accumulate into piles of debris, it is even possible for the dust to get blown right back into your home. 

Make it a habit to clean the duct regularly. If you do not have the time to do this, you can always hire professional cleaners to do it for you.

Seal and patch the ducts

When air ducts are cracked and worn, they tend to collect dirt and dust from different parts of the house. Insects and rodents might make their way into the air ducts and leave droppings there as well. 

For this reason, it is important to patch and seal these spaces. Normalize inspecting and repairing the air ducts as needed every now and then since they are more prone to damage.

Replace the air filters

Air filters are meant to capture dust and dirt, but they will eventually become clogged. Once this happens, they will no longer do their job well or at all. In fact, the dust might even get sent back to the living areas. 

Make sure to get quality HEPA filters since they are guaranteed to catch even the smallest dust particles. We recommend going for filters with a MERV of at least 13 for optimal filtration.

Washable filters make for a viable option as well. This can save you money in the long run. On top of that, it is also better for the environment. On a related note, worn-out filters can overwork the air conditioner and impact its longevity and effectiveness.

Improve the air quality in your home

Poor air quality can put your health and equipment at risk. You can improve it by regularly cleaning your home, clearing clutter, and avoiding harmful aerosols. It will also help if you keep the doors and windows closed as much as possible.

Avoid dust traps

Some surfaces and materials trap more dust than other alternatives. If you have the choice to replace certain objects in your home, it might be worth it to prevent the accumulation of dust. 

Fabric upholstery tends to trap and release dust more easily compared to non-upholstered or leather furniture. Likewise, heavy blinds and window coverings trap dust more than lighter curtains do. Dust also tends to latch onto fake plants more than real ones.

Buy an air purifier

Invest in a good-quality air purifier that can capture and reduce dust. These appliances can also catch all kinds of debris, dirt, dander, and mold spores that might be gathering on the air vents. 

Aside from preventing buildup, it will also help with allergies and asthma by improving the air quality inside your home.

Brush pets outside

Animal lovers might already know that pet hair frequently makes its way into the air vents as well. When you brush your furry pals, however, it will only release even more dander. You can avoid dust buildup by doing this outside of the house instead.

Use proper cleaning tools

If you use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter, it will bring down the amount of dust that will be blown back into the air as you vacuum. We would also like to recommend a microfiber cloth or an electrostatic duster instead of a feather duster, which is known to scatter dust instead of trapping it. 

Most importantly, you should always regularly clean your cleaning tools to ensure that they are performing their jobs as best as they can.

Inspect for mold

Do not be too concerned, but there are almost always mold particles present in indoor air. It only becomes a problem once it settles. Check the floorboards and walls in your house, especially in rooms that tend to get moist such as the kitchen and bathroom. As soon as you see mold, clean that area with bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar.

This is important because mold buildup can result in constant spore release that will enter the duct. You can prevent this problem by removing moisture from rooms and creating more ventilation.

Schedule regular HVAC maintenance

If you have a routine maintenance plan with an HVAC professional, dirty ductwork will no longer be a problem. This is a good way to ensure that pollution does not reach the air ducts excessively. On top of that, it can address other problems with your system as well. An annual checkup is ideal so that your unit will operate at maximum capacity.

Final Thoughts

It is extremely problematic when the AC ducts and vents have an excessive amount of dust buildup. Among other things, it can make for an ugly sight and will make your HVAC work less efficiently. These issues can then cause bigger problems in the form of higher utility bills and diseases in the future.

While you can always clean the air ducts once they get dusty, it is always better to focus on preventing them from reaching that state in the first place. Get in touch with an HVAC professional if you want to keep your air ducts in tip-top condition.