Dust is one of those unavoidable things in modern homes. Depending on the number of people and pets living in your home, how often everyone is inside, and how frequently you choose to clean, the level of dust may vary significantly from house to house. However, if you notice that your home is suddenly much more dusty than in the past, you may have an indoor air quality issue or a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) problem.
Definition and Consequences of Dust
Dust can include a myriad of different particles generated from dirt and other debris that comes with simply living. People and pets are constantly shedding skin particles. Papers, clothing, and everything else in your home is slowing breaking down and creating airborne particles. Pollen, mold spores, and other outdoor particulates can be added to the mix.
In some cases, dust can simply be a nuisance. However, today, millions of people suffer from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases that can be worsened by dust. If you have family members in this situation, it is even more critical that you find ways to reduce dust in your home.
Ductwork Problems
One cause of accumulating dust in a home can be poorly sealed ductwork. If your ducts are not tight, your HVAC system will be pulling in dust and debris that is floating around your living area into the overall ventilating system. Because this air is being pulled in from outside your venting system, it will bypass your air filter and simply be blown around your home.
Air Filter Problems
Another factor that can increase dust in your home is a clogged air filter. Air filters are designed to trap dust and other particles before they are pulled into your HVAC system. This not only helps improve your air quality, but also protects the sensitive components of your heating and cooling equipment. Be sure to change your air filters according to your manufacturer’s recommendation.
In addition, consider investing in HEPA filters if you have family members with respiratory issues. These filters are capable of trapping very tiny particles, which can keep dust levels lower. Check the minimum efficiency report value (MERV) rating of your filters; the higher the rating, the better the air filtration.
Maintain HVAC Regularly
By investing in regular maintenance service calls, you can ensure that your HVAC equipment is operating efficiently and reliably. Cleaning, inspecting and tuning up your equipment twice a year can also minimize dust accumulation.
General Housekeeping and Air Cleaners
Finally, be sure to regularly dust and vacuum your home. You may want to use a HEPA vacuum bag to capture dust more effectively. In addition, be sure to wash your bedding, fabric window coverings and other household items regularly in hot water to kill dust mites. Families that struggle with respiratory illness may want to go one step further and purchase air cleaners that can further tackle dust and other airborne particles.
If you’re facing air quality issues and too much dust, call the professional team at Morrow Mechanical for assistance. Our team can come up and inspect your ductwork, filtration system and HVAC equipment to help improve your indoor air quality.