Your air vents are a standard part of your home that you probably give little thought to. However, neglecting your vents and the ducts behind them could leave you with uneven air flow and poor indoor air quality. Watch for these problem signs.
Dirt Around the Register
Check the area around the air register. Can you see a ring of discoloration? If you spot hazy gray marks on the wall around your air vent, this is a prime indicator of excess dirt hiding inside. Collected dust, debris, and pollutants inside your air ducts have made their way far enough to leave visible marks on the surrounding walls. At a minimum, you should remove the air vents and clean them thoroughly. For a more comprehensive solution, consider scheduling a duct cleaning.
Closed Fins
If the fins on your air registers are completely closed, your home’s energy efficiency will suffer. Closing vents is not an efficient way to attempt to redirect air flow and only unbalances the air pressure in your house. If you don’t want heating and cooling in a particular part of the house, a better tactic is to install a zoned HVAC system. Open air ducts balance air pressure and provide even air flow throughout the home that will help manage both temperatures and humidity.
Poorly Placed Items
Do you have curtains, furniture, storage boxes, or other items blocking your air vents? If so, rearrange these items and pick up any clutter so there’s plenty of space for unobstructed air flow. Stick with short curtains over a floor-level air duct to avoid trapping heat around your windows, where it may mix with moisture and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
If you suspect your air vents are hiding a bigger problem, schedule a duct cleaning to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Contact Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat at (321) 222-0605 for a quick solution. Our professional duct cleaning will give your air a fresh and healthy space to flow through.