How to Prevent Dust Build-Up in Your Air Ducts During Summer

Do you notice more dust in your house than normal? If so, the problem could be dust buildup in your air ducts. Dust in your system can make your house dirty, become a fire hazard, and shorten your HVAC life leading to sooner (costly) replacements. It makes sense why maintaining clean ducts is an important aspect of A/C maintenance and care. Yet because ducts are out of sight, most people forget their critical maintenance and suffer the consequences. With that in mind, the team at Sunrise Service is here with this quick guide on how to prevent dust buildup in your air ducts for the summer months. 

Contact us today to schedule HVAC maintenance!

Tips for Dust Prevention and Dust Management

It’s impossible to keep ducts 100% dust-free; however, following these professional tips will minimize dust accumulation in your vents, keeping your air clean and your equipment efficient for years longer than when they’re neglected. 

Replace Your Filters

The simplest method of dust control is regularly replacing your air filters. You should replace your air filters once a year at a minimum, but ideally, you should replace them at least once every six months. Removing filters not only reduces dust in your home but also helps maximize system airflow and optimize HVAC performance. 

Use Good Filters

Many homeowners try to save a buck by using cheap, low-quality filters. Unfortunately, these don’t trap the finest particles, leaving your equipment and your air unprotected. In the end, the problems caused by poor protection can far outweigh any “savings” from low-end filters. (If you were a soldier, you wouldn’t invest in a cardboard shield, would you?) 

You want air filters that trap fine particles, indicated by a MERV rating of 8-13 (what’s a MERV rating?), and that don’t restrict airflow too much. Here are some great air filters that have been loved by thousands of homeowners.

Clean Vent Registers

Over time, dust can get stuck deep in your ductwork, but it can also collect in the registers near the front of your vents. Dust in your registers can get blown back into your house when the air is turned on. The easiest method to deal with dirty registers is to wipe down your vent covers and openings once every few months. 

Run Your Fan When Dusting

Another method for how to prevent dust build-up is to make sure you turn your AC fan on while cleaning your home. The fan will suck in any dust you put into the air when dusting instead of it falling back onto surfaces. 

Vacuum Your Home Frequently

Your air vents can suck in dust from your home where it can settle in your vents and ducts. You can reduce dust buildup that gets trapped by being diligent about vacuuming your home. Every time you vacuum, that is less dust that can get into your vents. Frequent vacuuming will also help keep pet hair and dander from cats and dogs at bay.

Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning

Over time, dust, allergens, and contaminants accumulate in your air ducts, reducing indoor air quality and forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Professional air duct cleaning helps eliminate these pollutants, which can improve the efficiency of your system and ensure cleaner air for your family. 

Stay away from companies that make claims about duct cleaning, or that try to sell it to you more frequently than actually necessary. At Sunrise Service we follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation for cleaning on an as-needed basis (which we’ve found means about 5-10 years for most homes, or more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or recent home renovations). 

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms can indicate the need for duct cleaning:

1. Low airflow
2. Rising energy bills
3. Less efficient cooling or heating
4. Strange smells in ducts or rooms
5. Dirty vents
6. Pests or mold in ducts
7. Ducts located near floor level
8. Pets
9. Allergies, asthma, or illness more often than usual
10. Frequent smoking indoors
11. Recent home renovations
12. Ducts never cleaned

Consider this example from a 10-year-old Las Vegas home that had never had duct cleaning. The homeowner exclaimed, “Wow, my home smells fresher already!” And we hadn’t even completed the service yet!

How Frequently Should I Clean My Ducts?

All other things being equal, you probably should have your air ducts professionally cleaned at least once every five to ten years. You can clean vent covers and duct openings on your own, but you should call an expert for deep duct cleaning. Professional HVAC contractors have specialized equipment for cleaning deep within ducts without causing damage. Regular cleaning is not only one of the simplest dust-free strategies but can also significantly increase indoor air quality for more comfort. 

Your Trusted Heating & Cooling Experts in Las Vegas

Sunrise Service has been trusted by over 100,000 homeowners for all things heating and cooling in Las Vegas. If you would like more tips on how to prevent dust buildup in your air ducts or schedule a free duct health evaluation, contact us online or give us a call today at (702) 568-5300!