When was the last time you cleaned out the dust from your HVAC system? If you haven’t done it recently, you are putting your home at risk. HVAC systems that are not cleaned regularly can collect and build up dust and other particles in the air, which can cause a fire. Air ducts are often an ignored feature of the home. As long as they are working well, they are left alone. However, by ignoring your HVAC and the dust accumulating there, you could be putting your home and family at risk.
How Does a Fire Start in Your HVAC?
Once it accumulates, dust can be incredibly flammable. Dust only needs a spark of energy or to be on a very hot surface for it to ignite. And once a flame has started, it can be hard to put it out. For one thing, the fire starts in an unseen part of your house, so it can strengthen a great deal before you are aware of it. The fire can travel through your HVAC system feeding on the buildup that is in there until it becomes hot or strong enough to escape the system.
How Do I Know if There’s a Buildup?
Dust works silently and stealthily. It can feel like one day there was no dust at all and then you turn around and there is a large buildup of it. The easiest way to know if you have dust built up in your system is to look at your air vents. Is there dust on or in the slats? If there is, it can mean there is a larger build up further inside the system. You can also check the air registers and the filter to see if there is dust sitting in them. Cleaning out the buildup will not only prevent a fire, but it will also help your system run better.
How Do I Remove Buildup?
Your cleaning method will have to depend on how excessive the buildup is. If there is only a small amount of dust built up, you can clean it out yourself. The way to clean your HVAC yourself is much like any other kind of dusting. You’ll want to turn your fan on so that the dust moves once you’ve dislodged it and doesn’t immediately resettle. You can dislodge the dust with a broom and some sweeping. You can also wash your filter and remove the dust from your air registers. However, if there is a lot of dust in your system, you should call a professional service to ensure that all of the dust is removed.
Your HVAC system has the potential to be a silent killer, but you can prevent danger. Ensure the safety of your family and home by not ignoring your air ducts. Regular maintenance can make all the difference. Allow us at American Fire & Water Restoration help you prevent a fire starting from dust in your HVAC. Give us a call at (847) 514-9305.