You’ve just finished cleaning the house and are plopping down on the couch, ready to take a break, when you spot dust dancing in the sunbeam warming your feet.
Agh!
Been there before? Join the crowd…it’s something that many of us deal with.
Clean air in your home may not be on your radar 24/7, but it is essential to consider it to ensure that your home is comfortable and healthy.
Dust cloud aside, one area of your home that can go unnoticed when you’re battling dust is your home’s ventilation system.
Ducts and vents are a common source of dust in your home, delivering dust with every blast of cold or warm air.
Read on as we learn practical strategies to keep your air clean and your home dust-free.
Dust in Your Ventilation System
It may seem as if it comes from nowhere, but rest assured, there are sources for those pesky particles:
- ⬥ dead skin cells
- ⬥ pet dander
- ⬥ pollen
- ⬥ fibers from your fabrics and
- ⬥ outdoor pollution that arrives via shoes and open windows.
How Dust Affects Air Quality
If you suffer from allergies, nobody needs to tell you how eliminating dust can help reduce symptoms. But it’s more than battling the dust that flies through the air and settles on your furniture…dust accumulating in your HVAC system can impact its performance, increasing your energy bills and shortening your unit’s lifespan.
Tips for Reducing Dust in Your Home Ventilation System
1. Regular Maintenance of HVAC Systems
Regular checkups for your heating and cooling system will help you avoid potential issues. Part of that checkup should include cleaning the ductwork. Book your appointment before peak usage seasons to reduce your wait time.
2. Change Air Filters Regularly
Ever notice the gunk on your air filter when you change it? You do change it routinely, right?
Your air filter will catch a great deal of the dust, but not if it’s clogged up.
The pros recommend replacing HVAC air filters at least every 1 to 3 months, depending on if you have allergies and/or pets.
When picking filters, go with pleated or HEPA filters to maximize dust collection. However, first, make sure that they will work well with your system, as higher-efficiency filters can restrict airflow if not properly matched.
3. Seal Ducts and Vents
If you’re experiencing uneven airflow or an unexplained increase in dust, you might want to check your ducts and vents.
If you prefer to go the DIY route, you’ll need to look for specialized tape or mastic sealant to wrap things up. Only approach this project if you’re looking at minor sealant issues. You’ll save yourself some time and energy by calling in the pros for bigger projects.
4. Use Air Purifiers
HEPA filter purifiers are very effective with fine dust particles. To add an extra layer of protection, opt for models that include UV light technology. This can help neutralize any airborne pathogens.
5. Clean regularly
There’s no replacing the benefit of a regular cleaning schedule.
Create a schedule that will let you target different areas of your home each week so that nothing escapes your dirt trap!
Instead of feather dusters, opt for microfiber cloths as they are more effective at trapping dust.
Suggested cleaning schedule:
– ⬥ Daily: Quick dust of high-traffic areas
– ⬥ Weekly: Thorough dusting and vacuuming of living spaces
– ⬥ Monthly: Deep clean of bedrooms, including under beds and inside closets
Additional Strategies
Banish clutter
Why banish clutter?
First, dusting an area with minimal obstacles is easier and faster.
The more places dust has to settle (which clutter provides), the more work it will be to keep the space dust-free.
Keeping an organized space will naturally lead to less dust accumulation if you clean regularly.
Control Humidity Levels
Finally, keep the humidity in your home between 30 to 50 percent to reduce the growth of dust mites. These little buggers love moisture and will proliferate with abandon in the right environment.
How to Make Your Own Dusting Spray: A Simple Guide for a Cleaner Home
