Dust is a major component of your indoor environment. You wipe it off surfaces, sweep and vacuum it frequently. But have you stopped and thought about how it may be degrading your indoor air quality? Read on to learn more.
The Impact of Dust on IAQ
Dust consists of a number of airborne particles, such as pollen, dead skin cells, clothing fibers, and dirt particles. About a third of it is generated inside your home whereas two-thirds of it comes in from the outside — through open doors and windows or is tracked in by your family, visitors, and pets.
The dust floating in your indoor air can irritate your eyes, make you cough, sneeze, and experience headaches or congestion. In higher concentrations, dust can cause:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Sleeping difficulty due to respiratory problems
Disease-causing viruses and bacteria travel through the air with the help of dust.
How to Effectively Combat Dust
While it’s impossible to remove dust entirely from indoor air, you can significantly reduce it with the help of your HVAC system. Follow these tips to minimize your home’s dust levels:
- Change your HVAC filters frequently — Your filters play an important role in preventing the spread of dust in your home. When they’re clogged, their effectiveness in removing dust from your home’s air reduces. Therefore, be sure to change them regularly.
- Install an air purifier — A whole-home air purifier works with your HVAC system to remove much smaller dust particles than standard HVAC filters.
- Schedule duct cleaning — The dust that accumulates in your ductwork can be circulated throughout your home as your HVAC system distributes air. Hiring a professional to clean your ducts will help eliminate the dust.
Dust affects your indoor air quality, so taking steps to minimize it will create a healthier environment for your family. For more information on eliminating dust and other allergens from your home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We offer a full range of cooling, heating, and indoor air quality products to homeowners in the Dayton area.
