There are two directions the dirt, dust, and debris can come from — inside and outside your home's HVAC system. Your central air conditioner has a labyrinth of air ducts that connect to the vents throughout your house. The air conditioner can force excessive buildup through the ducts and into your vents. While some dust and debris will enter your home, the rest may remain stuck on the vents' surfaces.

Along with the air your HVAC system pushes through the ducts and vents, the air inside your home can lead to a dusty buildup — especially if your air conditioner recirculates dirt, pet fur, or other debris. This means the exterior cause of your vent's dirty situation may actually come from an interior problem.

Failure to clean or replace the AC's air filter or regularly schedule professional service can increase debris in the system. The result is dirty or contaminated indoor air. As the dust and debris circulates inside your home, it can eventually make its way to the exterior vent covers.

Even though the air ducts and vents are connected, each part of your home's HVAC system requires a different cleaning method. Air duct cleaning is difficult to tackle on your own and isn't a do-it-yourself job.

Most homeowners can't reasonably reach the deeper parts of the ductwork. This leaves a large length of the system untouched, dirty, and debris-covered. If you suspect the ducts are the cause behind your dirty vents, an HVAC contractor can inspect the system and clear clogs or buildup.

Vent covers are the most outward facing part of your home's central air conditioner, making these components easier to clean. Turn your air conditioner off before you clean the vents. If the system stays on, it will continue to blow debris onto the vent covers as you clean.

Some vent covers are easy to remove with a screwdriver and nothing more. But if your vent covers are painted shut or you don't feel comfortable taking them off the wall, you can still clean them as-is. Place a towel, painters tarp, or other protective cover on the floor under the vent to collect dust and debris as you clean.

Use a microfiber dusting wand or a vacuum cleaner (with a tube or brush attachment) to clean large chunks of debris and dust. You can also detail the vents with a microfiber or similar thin-weight cloth. If you can remove the covers, place them into a washbasin or tub to fully clean with water and mild soap. Completely dry the covers before reinstallation because wet covers can promote mold or mildew growth.

Stop a dirty or dusty vent problem before it starts with a few preventative steps. The cleaner your HVAC system is, the less debris will recirculate throughout your home. A professional cleaning is an easy way to reduce indoor air contaminants. Not only can you hire a contractor to clean your home's ducts, regular HVAC preseason maintenance can also provide a level of protection.

Along with professional cleaning, routinely clean or replace your air conditioner's filter. If you're not sure where the filter is or what type of filter to buy, ask your HVAC technician.

If you need a new filter, consider how well the replacement will keep the indoor air clear. A higher MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) filter can remove more/smaller particles from the air. This can decrease dust, dirt, and debris in your home and on your vents.

Do you need a professional HVAC checkup or cleaning? Contact Weather Control Air Conditioning, Inc., for more information