Ditch the Dust with these Simple Tips
Just like death and taxes, dust is one of those things we all have to deal with. And while dust is inevitable, there are some super-simple steps you can take to keep the amount dust—and the amount time spent dealing with dust—to a minimum. Let’s look at five common culprits and how you can turn them from foe to friend in the fight against dust.
Culprit 1: Cheap (and Old) HVAC Filters
Your home’s comfort system or HVAC filter is one of the first lines of defense against dust…but not all filters are created equal. Low-quality filters allow more dust to pass through and into your home through the vents. Air filters are rated by their minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), on a scale from one to 16, with the higher numbers representing more efficient filters.
But even a high-quality filter with a good MERV value gets filled with dust. The more dust on the filter the less efficient it becomes. We recommend swapping your home’s filter at least every three months…maybe more if you run your system a lot or live in a drier, dustier climate (like Utah!).
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Culprit 2: Carpet
Dust loves carpet. Carpets act like giant collectors of dirt, dander, pet hair, etc. Running your vacuum over carpets frequently can help…just be sure your vacuum isn’t also blowing a lot of the dust back in to the air. Just like your home’s HVAC filter, ensure your vacuum filter is replaced or cleaned regularly so it can properly catch contaminates generated from vacuuming.
Feeling extreme? Swap out carpeting for hard floorings, such as hardwood, tile, or laminate.
Culprit 3: Upholstery and Draperies
Fabrics on chairs and couches and the curtains hanging in your home are pretty common dust magnets. Sitting on the furniture or opening and closing drapes can release that dust which settles on other furniture, makes its way in to your HVAC system, and generally adds to the issue of a dusty home. When you vacuum your home, consider popping on an attachment and hitting your upholstered furniture as well. While it may not be convenient to do so every time you vacuum, shoot for a goal of every-other time and you’ll be amazed how quickly your dust situation improves. Similarly, laundering or cleaning drapes once a year will also help reduce dust.
Culprit 4: Pets!
Cats and dogs—even shorthaired ones—shed both fur and skin flakes like crazy. All that adds up to contribute to a dustier home. To cut down on pet dust, try brushing your furry friends at least once a week to remove loose hair or have them professionally groomed. Regular bathing helps with that as well.
Culprit 5: HVAC Ductwork
Did you know dust could be entering your home through leaky ducts? Your home’s HVAC air ducts run through ceilings, walls, attics, and crawlspaces, and if there are holes in the ducts or unsealed spots where two pieces of ductwork connect, dust can be drawn into the ducts and then blown into your living space. If you notice more dust settling after running the furnace or air conditioner, a leaky duct could be the problem. If the previous solutions haven’t reduced the level of dust, it might be time to give us a call. We’ll inspect your system for any leaks, gaps, or inefficiencies and help get your HVAC system running in tip-top shape. You’ll have a more comfortable home…and a lot less dust to deal with!
