It must be frustrating to install filters in your home’s air system and then notice clouds of dust puffing out of the vents. But, whether this is a recurring or new problem, it’s something you want to take care of as quickly as possible.
There is more to HVAC filters than installing them; they also require maintenance. But no amount of cleaning or replacing a filter will make up for a problem somewhere else in the system. Below you will find some of the most common reasons for dust coming out of your air vents and how to fix it.
When dust is blowing out air vents, several things need to be checked and done. Filters need to be replaced or cleaned frequently, ducts and vent covers need to be cleaned regularly, and ductwork needs to be maintained to keep dust out.
Filters Require Cleaning/Replacing
The filters for your air vent remove particles like dust and pollen from the air coming through your HVAC system, which helps keep dirt and allergens out.
However, these filters can become dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced, or they will interfere with airflow through the system.
You should look for filters near your furnace and HVAC unit.
The filter for your furnace should be in the blower compartment.
Your HVAC unit should have a filter behind a cover on the unit. Otherwise, you can check in the return vent. Return vents are larger than normal vents and are found on ceilings or walls. You will need to remove the vent cover to access the filter.
Cleaning Filters
Reusable filters are designed to be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled.
You should check your filters frequently and clean them every 2-3 months. If you clean these filters regularly, they will continue to function properly, and you will ensure your system maintains good airflow.
- Remove the filter and start by rinsing the dust off.
- Then you can wash them gently with warm water and a little dish soap. Make sure that what you use to scrub the filter is soft, like a soft-bristle brush or sponge.
- Next, rinse the soap off and leave the filter to dry completely.
- You can dry it carefully with a towel and then put it in the sun or in front of a fan.
Replacing Filters
Disposable filters must be replaced, also every 2-3 months. Of course, if you are keeping an eye on them and notice excessive dirt or damage, or if you have pets or a respiratory illness, you can replace them sooner.
You will need to open the cover or compartment where the filter is, remove the old filter, then install the new filter.
When buying a replacement filter, you need to look at the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. This is the efficiency of the filter in stopping particles. An 8 MERV rating is a good choice for your home as it blocks out enough dust without restricting airflow.
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Tears in Filters
If you notice dust coming from your air vents, there can be a problem with the filter other than it being clogged. A filter can also get damaged. If there is a tear or hole in the filter, this allows larger dust particles through into the duct.
If you attempt to clean a disposable filter, you can cause tearing. If you notice this problem soon after installing a new filter, there may be a fault with the product, or it got damaged during installation.
Replace Filters
Whether you have disposable or cleanable filters, if it is ripped, you will need to replace the filter. The fiber screen that is used to filter out dust is compromised and will allow dust into the vent, even if your filter is new or clean.
Construction Overwhelms Filters
Filters have a saturation point, where they are no longer able to filter air correctly because the surface is already clogged. A saturated filter can affect airflow in the vents and can also make your ducts dusty.
If you are busy with renovations or there is a construction site nearby your house, the resultant dust might be overwhelming your filters.
When there is a high concentration of dust in the air, your filters may not be able to block out the smaller particles adequately, or particles will get dislodged more readily from the filter by the moving air.
Keeping up With the Dust
If you are renovating, an easily forgotten step is covering the ducts in the areas you are working. If you close the ductwork with a temporary HVAC film, you can prevent construction dust and debris from entering your HVAC system.
You will need to clean up at the end of each day to stay on top of the dust problem. Part of this (at least every few days) should include wiping down dust filters in your HVAC system to ensure they are not clogged and can help filter out the dust (within their capability) reliably.
You can also cover your furniture to minimize the spread of the dirt, and you should remember that all your fittings and fixtures will get dusty, too (dust can do terrible things to a ceiling fan)!
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Ducts Require Cleaning
Even when you have filters, there are smaller dust particles that can get through and settle within your duct. When you turn your system on, these particles get blown out.
It will likely be more obvious if you have been away or the system has been left off for a period.
If you want to prevent this buildup in the ducts that result in the dust puffing out of the vents, you will need to regularly clean them out.
Cleaning the Ducts
To clean your ducts, you should vacuum (a brush attachment is helpful) or use a cloth to clear out the dirt. Then you can wipe everything with warm, soapy water to remove the stubborn grime. You shouldn’t leave the duct too wet, so wipe them down with a towel to help dry the line.
You should be cleaning your ducts every 2-4 years. You also have the option of hiring a duct cleaning service to do the cleaning for you.
Grills Are Dusty
Dust may originate from the opposite end to the filters. It can be the grill covering the vent that is getting dusty.
Dust can build on the grill slats like it can with most other fixtures in your home, and when air comes through the vent, the dust is blown off the grill and dispersed.
Keep the Grills Clean
To keep the grills clean, you should wipe them off regularly. You can also give them a deeper clean every couple of months (as needed).
- Unscrew and remove the grill from the vent and wash them with soapy water and a brush.
- Leave them to dry completely and reattach the vent cover.
It’s convenient to do this when you are cleaning your ducts.
Breaks in Ducts
Whether due to age, wear and tear, gravity, or mechanical damage, your ductwork can have loose joins, broken seals, or can develop cracks and holes.
If there are breaks in the ducts, this allows dirt, dust, lint, and even insulation to enter the system and blow out the vent.
When these enter somewhere unexpected along the duct run, they bypass the filter, and you can end up with a lot of dust coming from the vent even when your filter is in good condition.
How to Fix and Prevent
Ductwork requires maintenance to help extend the lifespan, prevent damage, and to facilitate optimal HVAC appliance functioning. Regular cleaning and inspections are part of this.
If you notice loosening connections or degrading seals, you can make the appropriate repairs, and you should have a professional inspect and replace any suspected duct cracks or holes in the ducts.
If you keep up with replacing or cleaning your filters, this will contribute to keeping your ducts in working order.
Sources
https://filterking.com/air-filter-troubleshooting/where-are-my-air-filters-located
https://filterking.com/hvac-filters/merv-ratings
https://trimaco.com/blog/dust-control-during-construction/
https://www.mytarp.com/collections/hvac-protection-films
https://byrdheatingandair.com/blog/3-reasons-you-shouldnt-clean-and-reuse-a-disposable-air-filter
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-an-air-filter-4693506
https://www.southernliving.com/home/organization/how-to-clean-air-vents
https://woodscomfortsystems.com/articles/how-ductwork-gets-damaged-how-prevent
https://www.dustlessduct.com/blog/how-often-should-you-clean-your-air-ducts.aspx