Dust bunnies multiplying? Your HVAC system could be the culprit. This article explores the link between HVAC and dust, offering solutions for cleaner, healthier air. Explore Panasonic's popular bathroom exhaust fans and other best-in-class ventilation solutions for whole-home indoor air quality management. Check out Panasonic OASYSTM, their new approach to HVAC that provides the ultimate in healthy living, comfort & efficiency for your high-performance home.
Noticing more dust than usual? It might be from your HVAC system.
Dusting more than usual these days? On top of the other never-ending chore list of sweeping, mopping, laundry, and all else, no one wants to spend more time than they should swiping up unsightly dust. But, if you've started to notice more particles than normal around your home, then a bigger issue may be at hand.
There could be a problem with your HVAC system. Believe it or not, your HVAC unit has more ties to dust in the home than you may think. Luckily, this issue is easy to fix. Here's everything you need to know about how your HVAC system may be making your home more dusty, plus how to fix it.
The Role Of HVAC In Dust Accumulation
While you may think your HVAC system is solely responsible for heating and cooling your home, the system is also used for maintaining pure indoor air quality. But, if an HVAC system is maintained properly, the system can actually cause a build up of dust in the home from one crucial component: the air filters.
Air filters are responsible for allowing air coming from your system to circulate through your home. If your air filters are clogged (which happens overtime from the particles they trap), the air mixed with the particles has nowhere to go but the inside of your home, causing a build up.
Many people think that constantly running an HVAC system and swapping out air filters is all that's needed to keep a dust-free home, but that's not the case. Regularly cleaning your HVAC system, even with the help of a professional, contributes just as much to dust elimination so the particles do not recirculate back into your house.
Common Causes Of Dust From HVAC Systems
There are several causes of dust build up from HVAC systems. Here are the most common ones and how to spot them.
Inefficient Air Filters
Like we've already mentioned, your air filters are one of the biggest reasons why you might be noticing a build up of dust around the home. "HVAC systems can cause more dust in the home due to the HVAC filters not being not replaced regularly," says Drew. "Air filters are designed to capture particulate matter from the indoor environment by forcing air through the filter. To be effective, the filter must be dense enough to collect very small items but not so dense that it restricts airflow and potentially damages the AC."
He also says that it's important to note that different types of filters will need to be changed at different intervals. "Most disposable filters are designed to last for one month. Others are designed to last for up to three months, but they can still clog up early due to other factors in your home. If not changed regularly dirty filters can contribute to poor indoor air quality and even higher energy costs."
Leaky Ductwork
Other than your air filters, leaky ductwork is another common culprit for an usual sight of dust. "The ductwork in your HVAC system also transports air throughout your home and can also cause dust," Hulsebos says. "If the ducts are not properly sealed, dust from within the duct system can be blown into your living spaces. Leaks in the ductwork can also pull in dust from attics, basements, or crawl spaces and distribute it throughout the house."
Sometimes you might be able to spot a leak in your ductwork yourself but other times, it requires having a professional look over the ducts to find the leak.
Dirty Ducts & Components
Hulsebos also says that while dirty air filters and leaky ductwork are top culprits for dust, sometimes it's the HVAC system being unclean that's doing all the dirty work. "In addition to having dirty air filters and dirty ductworks, if the blower fan and system components are poorly maintained, this can also increase dust in your home. If the blower fan, coils, or other parts of the HVAC system are dirty, the dust collected on these components can be redistributed into your home as air flows through the system," he says.
How To Reduce Dust From HVAC Systems
So, how do you go back to maintaining a dust-free home? The first place to start is with your air filters. When you start shopping for new filters, look for ones with high MERV rating as these have the ability to capture small and large dust particles.
You should also work to maintain clean ducts by investing in professional cleaning so dust doesn't recirculate back into your home. Professionals have advanced technology that cleans deep in your ducts to remove blockages, dirt, or dust so they always pass through clean air.
Professionals can also seal any leaky ducts that may be causing uneven heating or cooling and excess dust to travel into your home. If you begin to notice signs that an increased energy bill, excess dust, or uneven running times, then this means a leak is likely present somewhere. But don't worry, this can easily be fixed by applying a duct sealant to stop the leak.
Lastly, you can try running an air purifier either in your ductwork or through a stand-alone fixture. Air purifiers with technologies like REME® and PHI-cell® offer optimal air cleansing by reducing pollutants and dust particles in the air.
Panasonic Intelli-Balance ERV energy recovery ventilator - Photo courtesy of Panasonic Eco Systems
Additional Tips For Maintaining A Dust-Free Home
Both of our experts say that one of the best ways to maintain a dust-free home is to schedule routine maintenance at least once or twice a year. "Scheduling professional duct cleaning is smart since the worst accumulation of dust and allergens in your home may be in the places you can’t see," says Drew. "Professional duct cleaning lets technicians reach deep into your ductwork with special vacuums and spray gentle disinfectants that can help keep your ducts cleaner for months to come."
But outside of professional cleaning, there are a few DIY tasks you can attempt to practice keeping a dust-free home, such as:
- Weather stripping doors and windows to prevent dust from outside getting in.
- Dusting weekly or bi-weekly.
- Groom or bathe pets outdoors.
- Declutter your home.
- Remember to change air filters.
Frequently asked Questions
How often should HVAC filters be changed to reduce dust?
Depending on your home's environment and how quickly your air filters build up with dust, they should be changed at least once every month to three months. Frequent filter changing minimizes dust by giving air the chance to properly circulate and trap particles in the filter before it becomes clogged.
What are the signs that my ductwork is leaking?
An abnormal build up of dust in the home can be a sign of leaky ductwork, but other signs to look out for include higher energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, and visual leaks.
Can air purifiers help reduce dust from HVAC systems?
Yes, air purifiers help reduce dust in the air from HVAC systems since they remove dust particles in the air.
How does dust affect indoor air quality and health?
Dust affects your indoor air quality by posing several health threats to the respiratory system. Dust particles in the air can make asthma worse and cause allergic reactions for those who already suffer from weak respiratory systems.
What are the benefits of professional duct cleaning?
Having your ductwork professionally cleaned is very beneficial for your home since it remove dust and other allergens from the air and also improves the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
This article was written by Ashlyn Needham from Southern Living and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
