If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time indoors. You may have noticed an increase in the amount of dust in your San Antonio, TX, home. While every home has dust, too much dust impacts your ability to breathe. Many people have allergies to dust mites, and excessive dust in your home could make your allergy symptoms worse. Dust may also be a trigger for asthma in sensitive individuals. Here are six ways you can reduce the indoor dust at home.
1. CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTER
One of the simplest and fastest ways you can reduce dust in your home is to change your HVAC filter. The air filter has tiny pores that capture dust and other particles. This keeps the dust out of your home’s air. If you’re not sure where the filter is, what size you need, or how to do this, our technicians at Quality Star Services can show you during your next maintenance visit. When you’re running your air conditioner all day, every day, you’ll need to change the filter every one to two months. If your home includes furry pets, it’s a good idea to change the filter monthly.
2. UPGRADE YOUR HVAC FILTER
When you notice more dust in your home, it’s a good idea to upgrade to a high-efficiency filter. Air filters are rated using the minimum efficiency reported value (MERV) rating system. The range is 1 to 20. A low MERV rating means the filter will only capture some large particles. As the MERV rating increases, so does the filter’s ability to capture smaller particles and more of them. Choose a filter with a MERV rating of at least 13, which will capture about 70 percent of the dust that passes through it. For superior dust removal, choose a filter with a MERV of 16. This is a medical-grade, professional filter.
3. SCHEDULE DUCT CLEANING
Although HVAC filters do a good job of removing dust, they won’t capture all of it. After a couple of years, the dust will build up in your air ducts. With each cycle of your cooling or heating system, a little dust blows from the ducts to your living spaces. Schedule professional duct cleaning at least every two years. Our technicians at Quality Star Services can show you how much dust has built up in your home’s air ducts. If you have strong dust allergies or asthma, an annual duct cleaning is a smart decision.
4. HAVE YOUR AIR DUCTS SEALED
Little gaps or cracks in your home’s ducts allow dust and debris to work their way inside. The air filter can’t remove dust that gets into the ducts through damaged or failed seals. If your home’s air ducts are more than 15 years old, have them inspected. If the seals are bad, our team at Quality Star Services can address the problem.
5. REPLACE CARPETING WITH OTHER MATERIALS
Carpeting is a magnet for dust. So are heavy drapes and upholstered furniture. If you can, replace the carpeting in your home with a different type of material. Hard materials, including vinyl plank, laminate, hardwood, engineered wood, bamboo, tile, and linoleum are easy to clean. A damp cleaning cloth removes all dust and debris in minutes. Switching from drapes to shades or blinds also reduces dust. Reduce or eliminate stuffed animals and other items that could collect dust in your bedroom.
6. USE A HEPA FILTER VACUUM
When removing carpeting, drapes and upholstery is not an option, upgrade your vacuum to one that uses a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These filters capture more than 99 percent of particles, including dust. Look for a vacuum that offers convenient features, such as a canister that is easy to dump. Vacuum daily. When paired with a clean HVAC filter, clean air ducts, and solid duct seals, a HEPA vacuum helps you get rid of as much dust as possible. If your home includes pets, choose a HEPA vacuum specially designed for homes with pets.
At Quality Star Services, we complete heating and air conditioning repairs, tune-ups, installations, and replacements for San Antonio residents. We’re also ready to help you with duct repairs, cleaning, sealing and installations. Our indoor air quality services and products will help you enjoy a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Contact Quality Star Services today to schedule service for your system in San Antonio.
