How to Reduce Home Dust with Your HVAC System
Posted by Sumant JHA
Indoor Air Quality
Opening your windows on a mild spring evening to let the fresh air in is an incredible feeling. However, with a breeze of fresh air can come dirt and allergens that accumulate and form a layer of dust on the surfaces of your home.
You don’t have to spend your entire spring with a dust rag and sneezing fits. By following some simple tips, you can utilize your HVAC system to keep dust levels under control.
Discovering dust in your home, no matter how frequently you clean, is a common and persistent issue.
But what is causing it to appear in the first place?
Where Does Dust Come From?
Dust is the amalgamation of dead skin cells, pollen, pet dander, insect remnants, and dirt particles that accumulate over time. This accumulation can lead to worsened allergy symptoms or respiratory issues, as well as make your home look dirty and uninviting.
The best way to keep dust at bay is to prevent it from accumulating in the first place. And–you can utilize your HVAC system to do so!
Replace Your Air Filters
One of the simplest ways to keep your home’s dust levels in check is to regularly replace your HVAC air filters. Your trusty air filter works tirelessly to remove dirt, pet dander, and dead skin, keeping your living space virtually dust-free.
Filters come in an array of options, including those that can capture even the tiniest particles, which is great news for allergy sufferers.
To determine if you need to upgrade your filter type, check its MERV rating. A MERV rating below 4 may not capture smaller dust particles, while a rating above 13 consumes excess energy, making it impractical for household use. The highest-rated filters are generally used in specialized settings like hospitals and pharmacies.
While replacing your air filter is an essential step in preventing dust buildup, the more dust in your home, the harder your HVAC system has to work. So, it’s important to take a comprehensive approach to maintaining a dust-free home beyond just replacing the air filter.
Use the HVAC Fan While Cleaning
While air filters are great at capturing dust in the air, they can’t do much to clean up dust that’s already settled on your floors and surfaces
To tackle dust head-on, turn on your HVAC fan while cleaning. As you wipe down surfaces, the dust that gets stirred up will be pulled into your air filter.
Inspect Your Ducts
If you can spot dust accumulation in your home, just imagine the amount of dust that could be hiding inside your ducts!
If it’s been a while since your ducts were professionally cleaned, there’s a good chance that they’re holding onto a considerable amount of dust.
The more dust that’s stuck in your ducts, the harder your HVAC system has to work, making it less efficient. And, if dust builds up in your ducts, it can easily get circulated back into the air every time you turn on your air conditioner or crank up the heat.
Regularly scheduling professional duct cleanings can help keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency and maintain clean air in your home.
Keep Air Vents Clean
Air vent registers tend to be a prime for dust to accumulate, whether it’s from the air or your ducts.
Make sure to wipe down your air vents at least once a week to prevent dust from building up and getting recirculated into your home’s air.
Upgrade to an Electric Air Cleaner
If you’re looking to take your air cleaning game to the next level, consider installing an electric air cleaner in your HVAC system. These super-efficient devices use electricity to trap microscopic particles like dust, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses, making the air in your home even cleaner. This is a great option for those with allergies, respiratory issues, or weakened immune systems.
Maintain Your HVAC System with Regular Inspections and Tune-Ups!
Your HVAC system is an important component of your home, working hard to keep you and your family comfortable and your air clean and as dust-free as possible. To ensure your system is working at peak efficiency and keeping dust, allergens, and other pollutants out of your home, it’s important to schedule regular HVAC inspections and tune-ups.
During an inspection, our team can identify any potential issues with your system and make necessary repairs or adjustments. Regular tune-ups can also help improve your system’s efficiency, saving you money on your energy bills–it’s a win-win all around.
If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home or it’s been a while since your last inspection, give us a call at Moore Home Services to schedule an appointment. Our experts will help keep your air clean and your dust busted all spring and summer long!
