Are Dusty Vents a Fire Hazard? The Answer May Surprise You.

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

When was the last time you changed the filter to the furnace? Did you know it is recommended every 3 months?

The vents in your New Philadelphia home are not necessarily the first item on your weekly cleaning list. Let’s be honest. They really are not that gratifying to clean, and you need a screwdriver. “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” But SERVPRO of New Philadelphia is here to tell you why you should make the extra effort.

Is a dusty vent really a fire hazard? Yes! Buildup of dust, dander, and soot is a fire hazard. Any large pile of dust can be ignited either by contact with a spark, or if the surface it is settled on becomes very hot. Also, if a heating unit is older, does not work well, and works extra hard at your chilly Dover home, it can also throw sparks.

How does it ignite? The burners and heat the exchanger of the furnace are the components that heat the air of your home. The burners heat the exchanger to a very high degree. Near or above the furnace, in the “plenum”, dust will accumulate with time and occasionally fall onto the heat exchanger. If the debris pile becomes large enough, there can be a very serious risk a fire igniting inside the furnace.

Furnace filter hazards. When was the last time you changed the filter to the furnace? Did you know it is recommended every 3 months? The filter’s purpose is so dust does not accumulate in your home. But if the filter is not changed regularly, it cannot do its job and even worse, it can potentially sink, and get sucked into the furnace itself, allowing the dust it carries to catch fire.

Clean those ducts! The best way to reduce the likelihood of vent fires is to make sure they are clean. If you want to try and tackle the job yourself. Here is an easy tutorial.

But, if you want to hire a professional to make sure it is done right, call SERVPRO of New Philadelphia. Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit for fires and poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

SERVPRO of New Philadelphia Professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call SERVPRO of New Philadelphia today at,  (330) 556-4656.