Do things start getting dusty again in your home mere hours after you’ve cleaned it? If so, your HVAC system may be part of the problem. In this blog, heating and cooling company A STAR Air Conditioning and Heating discusses what you can do if your HVAC system is spreading dust throughout your house.
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Where Does the Dust Come From?
Under normal operating conditions, your HVAC system pulls stale air, along with dust and other particulates, through an air filter. Air has to be filtered at this stage, not just to avoid recirculating particulates, but also to keep certain parts of the HVAC system clean. While dust can enter your home through open doors and windows, it can also come from dead skin cells, pet dander and cloth fibers.
There are two components of the HVAC system that may cause dust to recirculate in the house. The first is the air filter. Ideally, air filters should be replaced every three months, or as often as once a month during seasons of heavy HVAC use. Neglected air filters eventually clog up, which results in dust recirculating in the air instead of becoming trapped in the filter media.
The other HVAC component that can recirculate dust is the ductwork. Dust that isn’t caught by air filters recirculates in the air ducts and collects in crevices, seams and the like. When agitated, the dust is moved further along the ducts. If you have a leaky duct system, this dust is going to spread throughout the house, though it may not be noticeable until it starts collecting on surfaces in your living areas.
How to Prevent Dust from Spreading
Keeping up with scheduled HVAC maintenance with the help of your air conditioner repair contractor is one of the best ways to keep your HVAC system in good shape. Schedule an air filter inspection every month, and take note of how fast it gets clogged. You may have to upgrade to a high-efficiency air filter if your current one gets clogged too quickly. Also, have your air ducts cleaned if you haven’t done so in the last three to five years to remove dust, debris and other particles. Sealant will also be applied after the duct cleaning is complete.
Lastly, try to determine where the dust is coming from. Best practices such as wiping your shoes as you enter the house (or taking them off at the entry) and using insect screens when windows are open should be encouraged. Bare patches of soil in the yard should be covered by grass. Groom your pets regularly, and make sure they don’t track in dirt when they enter your home.
A STAR Air Conditioning and Heating is your leading provider of heat pump repair and other HVAC services. Give us a call at (954) 212-9816 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
