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How Do Air Vents Get Dirty

Wen conditioned air flows through your wall or ceiling registers, it’s flowing at a high rate of speed. That causes air turbulence and causes the conditioned air to interact with dust, dirt, pet dander, and other contaminants already in the air. This interaction causes the dirt to adhere to the registers and wall space around them.

Here’s a more in-depth look at the causes of dirty vents and air ducts:

 1. Duct Leakage
Air duct leaks can be a source of black streaking around the supply registers. Inside the ductwork, unsealed openings pull insulation particles or other dirt and debris from the unconditioned space into the duct run and airflow. These particles are then distributed across the surfaces where airflow is blowing and leave a trail of streaking.

 2. Bad Filtration
Dirt streaking around the supply registers and up the wall or ceiling may be amplified when excessive moisture is part of the airflow. Moisture causes particles to become sticky and can cause grimy dirt to gather on the vents and other surfaces.

 3. Dirty Air Ducts Due to Lack of Maintenance
Regular filter changes and preventive maintenance is your best defense against added dirt, dust and allergens entering the airflow. Otherwise, air flowing through your ducts will drag some of the dirt and grime attached to your filters along with it.

Other ways to prevent dirty vents and registers:  

• Clean or replace your heating and air filters regularly to help keep dust and dirt out of your living spaces.
• Once a week, thoroughly vacuum and dust your home.
• Keep doors adjacent to your garage closed and well-sealed.
• Don’t smoke indoors, and don’t allow anyone else to do so, either.
• Have a professional determine if your kitchen range is properly vented. Many such fans simply return the air back into the home.
• Don’t burn cheap, inefficient candles indoors.

Has it been a year or longer since your furnace or central air conditioning systems was last cleaned and inspected? If so, contact Messmer Mechanical today and place your home comfort systems in our very capable hands.