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Excess Debris After New Home Construction
in Sioux Falls, SD
Brand new homes are not clean homes, at least not inside the ductwork. Builders in the Sioux Falls area leave ducts open during construction and drywall dust, insulation fibers, and sawdust pile up inside. The first few months of running the HVAC system blows all of that into the living space where your family breathes it in.
Quick Answer
New homes in Sioux Falls and the surrounding growth areas like Brandon and Renner often have construction debris sitting in the ductwork when the buyers move in. Drywall dust, wood chips, and insulation get pulled into open duct vents during the build and stay there. A post-construction duct cleaning removes it before your family starts breathing it. Call (605) 250-4261 if you are moving into a new build and want the ducts clean before you settle in.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Fine white or gray dust on furniture and floors in a brand new home
- Gritty feel to the air in a newly built house
- Throat or nose irritation that started after moving into a new build
- Visible drywall dust or wood chips when you pull off a register in a new home
- HVAC filter is clogged within weeks of moving into a new construction home
Root Causes
What Causes Excess Debris After New Home Construction?
Drywall Dust Pulled Into Open Ducts During Build
During construction, duct openings are left uncovered while drywall is cut and sanded throughout the house. Fine drywall dust is light enough to float across a room and get pulled directly into open return vents. In active Sioux Falls subdivisions where dozens of homes are being built at once, this is standard practice and almost every new home has it.
The Fix
Post-Construction Duct Cleaning
A full duct cleaning vacuums out the drywall dust and other debris before the homeowner runs the system for an extended period. This prevents the debris from being pushed further into the system and distributed through the home.
Insulation Fibers Entering Duct System
Blown insulation installed in attics creates a cloud of fine glass or cellulose fibers that settle on every surface, including open duct runs. If the ducts are not covered during insulation installation, those fibers coat the interior duct walls and get released into the airstream when the system runs.
The Fix
Duct Cleaning and Register Cover Installation
Technicians remove insulation fiber contamination from the ducts and make sure all duct connections in the attic are properly sealed so future insulation disturbance does not get back in.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Drywall Dust Pulled Into Open Ducts During Build | Insulation Fibers Entering Duct System |
|---|---|---|
| Fine white dust on furniture within days of moving into a new build | ||
| Itchy skin or throat irritation consistent with fiberglass exposure in a new home | ||
| Visible drywall dust chunks inside the duct when register is removed | ||
| Fibrous or fluffy material visible near vent openings in a new construction home | ||
| HVAC filter turns completely gray within two weeks of first use |
Free Inspection
Get a Diagnosis in Sioux Falls
An on-site inspection is the only way to confirm which cause applies to your property. Free, no obligation.
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