Why is There So Much Dust in My Home?
Dust is perhaps one of the most aggravating things homeowners deal with daily. You can clean all you want, but somehow, within a day or so, the dust is always back. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to do a deep dive and see what is really causing all that dust in your home. Though it’s easy to lay blame on pets who play outdoors or natural elements, you really should be looking at your HVAC system. If you’ve ever wondered why is there so much dust in my home, believe it or not, your HVAC system could be to blame.
Why is Your HVAC to Blame?
Every homeowner has to deal with a common nemesis—dust. Somehow it finds its way into every crack and crevasse. It’s easy to let dust build up over the course of a week, but if you’re seeing an inordinate amount of dust, the most likely culprit is your HVAC system. This could be for several reasons, some are:
- Dirty Air Filter – Before we start, let’s talk about dust. Household dust is usually made from a mixture of skin cells, hair, clothing fibers, bits of bugs (including dust mites), soil particles, pollen, and bacteria. This is not something you want to be breathing in on a daily basis. Your first line of defense from dust is your air filter. One of the most common questions we find ourselves asking homeowners is “when was the last time you changed your air filter?” Over time, your air filter can get too full of dust and debris. When this happens, it can’t catch anything, instead it forces air full of dust into your home. At Bell Brothers, we recommend changing your air filters every three months, however this can vary from home to home. Different factors, such as pet dander, can cause air filters to be changed more frequently.
- Cracked Ductwork – No matter where your HVAC system lives—usually in the attic, garage, or a closet—it relies on ductwork. With time and use, small cracks and holes can appear in your ductwork, letting in dust and other airborne contaminates.
- Dry Air – Another reason why there is so much dust in your home could be from dry air. Dust travels farther and faster in homes without humidity. When there is moisture in the air, it helps clump the dust and weigh it down, making it harder to travel. We see this problem more often during the dry winter months, but no matter the season, it can be a problem for some homeowners.
What Can Homeowners Do About It?
If you’re wondering what can be done about excessive dust in the home, almost all the solutions are solved by your HVAC system. The best thing you can do for your home and your HVAC system is to schedule regular tune-ups. If you don’t already receive regular tune-ups for your AC and furnace, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. At Bell Brothers, we have an 18-point furnace tune-up and a 26-point air conditioner tune-up. During these tune-ups our technicians thoroughly inspect and scrub your system, ensuring no stone is left unturned. In addition to regular HVAC maintenance, here are a few things you can do:
- Periodically Check Your Air Filters – At Bell Brothers, we recommend changing your air filter. If you have pets, or live in an area with dusty, dry weather, it’s a good idea to check your filter every few months.
- Consider a MERV Filter – An air filter with a MERV rating can catch more particles than a standard filter. The higher the MERV rating, the more it will catch. If you live in a home with pets, or someone who suffers from allergies or asthma, we highly recommend a MERV filter.
- Invest in an Air Scrubber – If you want to take your home to the next level, one of our favorite tools is an Air Scrubber. The Air Scrubber is powered by UV lights that can clump all the dust particles together, essentially making them easier to grab and over time. It will eliminate the dust in your home by using these UV lights. An Air Scrubber can purify your air from bacteria, viruses, mold, and other airborne contaminants that could be floating around.
- Repair or Replace Ductwork – If your duct work has any rips, tears, or holes then you should investigate duct repair or replacement options. Any dirt, debris, insects or insulation in your attic can get sucked into your ductwork, through the cracks and blown into your home. Proper ductwork can help keep the dust out and your home clean.
Get Rid of the Dust, Call Bell Brothers
Now that you know why there might be so much dust in your home, it’s time to do something about it. When our HVAC experts preform a routine tune-up and professional cleaning, they’ll inspect every nook of your system. If there are any problems, they’ll let you know and provide you with different solutions. To schedule your own service, call the number at the top of the screen or click her to book an appointment online.