What your home might be trying to tell you
Every home has an HVAC system that operates along the same guidelines. Understanding these simple guidelines will have any homeowner feeling satisfied that they understand their home on a deeper level. The parts they can see and even the inside of the home they can’t see. If your home is constantly covered in dust, that is your HVAC system telling you a filter is not enough and it’s time to clean those ducts.
Below is a diagram that displays how air circulates through a home. Keep reading if you would like this diagram broken down further.
How does your HVAC work?
The process begins with your air handling unit (AHU) drawing in fresh air from the outside environment. This external air is then funneled through a system of ducts that leads into your living or working space.
As the supply air is introduced into your room, it helps regulate the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality within the space. Once this air has circulated throughout the room, it is eventually directed back towards the return ducts, where it is collected to be either exhausted or recirculated.
At this stage, some of the air that has been pulled back into the system is expelled outside as exhaust air, ensuring that contaminants or stale air are removed from the indoor environment. However, not all of the air is released; a portion of it is recirculated.
This recirculating air is mixed with fresh outdoor air in carefully calculated proportions to maintain both efficiency and comfort. The AHU then draws this mixture of recirculating air and fresh air, treating it to ensure it is properly conditioned. Once conditioned, this air is pushed through the ductwork and back into the room as supply air.
The supply air that flows into your space is, therefore, a combination of recirculated air and outside air. This blend is specifically chosen to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining an optimal indoor climate. By using a mix of indoor and outdoor air, the system can more easily achieve the desired temperature and air quality.
It is much more energy-efficient to condition recirculated air, which has already been partially adjusted to the indoor environment, than to condition outdoor air exclusively, which may be much further from the desired temperature. The blending of recirculated and fresh air allows your heating and cooling system to operate more effectively, reducing energy consumption while still delivering fresh, clean air into your space.
What does this airflow mean for your air ducts?
As the air from your room gets pulled into the return vent, particles come through with it. Bacteria, debris, skin and pet dander.
Your ducts have filters to prevent too much from going through. However, no filter can completely prevent these particles from coming through. These particles can clog the duct and even recirculate back through the supply duct, back into your room, leaving a constant layer of dust coating your room.
What to do if you have a constant layer of dust
If you have a constant layer of dust coating your home this means your air ducts are ready for cleaning. Depending on how long it’s been will determine the level of cleaning needed. After your air ducts are properly cleaned, your HVAC system will work better and will be recirculating clean air out of your supply duct.
Looking for an air duct cleaning?
If you have any questions about this blog or are looking to take the next steps to clean your air ducts, we have a representative standing by Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm or Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm. Wondering what it’s like to work with Green T? Read our Reviews, Here are a couple of our favorites:
Give us a call at (630) 977-7777 or fill out a quote to get your home in tip-top shape, today.