Your house is brimming with plenty of duties: washing dishes, doing laundry, vacuum cleaning, on top of the never-ending job of dusting. Although each of these projects tend to be inescapable, a few may seem as though they must be done constantly. When you are having difficulties managing your dusty house, it is possible your heating and cooling unit is making the issue worse.
The good news is, for virtually any heating and cooling issue which could result in extra dust, we have an easy and productive answer to the problem.
Create a trap for the dust
If you are inspecting your HVAC machine to find signs to what is causing such a dusty environment, your current air filter is the place to begin. Air filters need to be examined monthly at a minimum in addition to being changed or wiped clean if they’re too dusty. If your house is unusually dusty or you have shedding pets, it is a good idea to switch your air filter more regularly.
Most of the particles you find in the old filter is dust that has been removed from the air flow in your home. Any time your current air filter gets obstructed, your HVAC machine cannot effectevly remove dust out of the air, so a greater portion of it remains inside your home.
Not every filter is the same, and you will probably find air filters with a higher MERV rating to be more effective. Investing in these better-quality air filters comes with a compromise; they will probably have a longer lifespan and will also pick up smaller particles that many lower rated filters will not, but are pricier and can be slightly less energy efficient.
Any time you’re replacing your HVAC filter, you also need to look to confirm that it fits snugly with a firm seal around every side. Space between the filter and your unit or inadequately sized filters enable dirt and dust particles to pass easily through the unit and into your living space.
Fix all air leaks
Leaking ducts are extremely common and are a more difficult issue that leads to unnecessary dust. Tiny spaces may form in the ductwork as a result of old age, deterioration, low quality, or substandard installation, and are often found in especially dirty sections of the attic and basement. Such cracks allow airborne dirt and dust to move past your home’s air filter, straight out the vents, and into your home.
Check a number of your home’s air vents closely and if you find an accumulation of dust built up on the fins or near the air vents, you might have leaky ducts.
If the structure and design of the house and your air conditioning unit will allow it, you could safely check a large amount of the ductwork yourself. Shut off all lighting and use a flashlight to check the ducts. This will make it easier for you to watch the movement of dirt and dust floating around, which will direct you to the area of a leak. A lot of modest leaks are able to be appropriately patched using duct tape if they are within your reach.
To complete more difficult checkups or servicing, think about hiring a licensed heating and cooling specialist with the necessary expertise. They are able to spot and fix leaks in areas you cannot access, and these areas are usually among the dirtiest pieces of the HVAC unit.
Try not to run dry
People located in more humid environments often get a break from issues with more excessive dust in their homes, while people who live in drier locations encounter many more challenges with dust. Airborne debris is able to move without restraint over moisture less air, allowing it to make its way substantially further within an air conditioning unit. Any time the environment is more humid, dirt and other debris settle more quickly, leaving greater opportunities for it to get caught by the filters.
This isn’t just an issue in less damp environments, but also throughout the more arid season of winter. And of course, if your HVAC unit has leaking ductwork attracting the drier wintry air out of the attic, you are likely forming particularly welcoming conditions for dust within your home.
Aside from properly sealing the ducts, the most effective defense from really dry air is using a good humidifier within the home. For those living in extremely arid climates, it is worth looking into a whole-home humidifier, which sometimes also assist in preserving furniture, floors, and trim made of wood.
Dusting effectively
All of these tips could help you minimize the volume of dust inside your home, nevertheless, they will not totally relieve you of your dusting duties. That being said, when you take on the task again, use this secret to help: change the thermostat’s fan setting into the “on” position. As long as the filter is clear, it will capture most of the dust that gets pulled up. Just be sure you return it to the “auto” position once you are done.
If you have exhausted all of our how-to tips, or simply feel you need or would prefer an experienced AC technician to do the job for you, contact the skilled professionals at EasyBreezy A/C Services in the Tampa Bay area today!
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As an air conditioning technician, I am responsible for the maintenance and repair of HVAC systems. I work with various tools and equipment to troubleshoot and repair issues with AC units. My work can sometimes be challenging, but it is gratifying to help keep people comfortable in their homes and businesses!
