Dust is a part of life that we all face in our homes, apartments, and places of work. But do you feel like you can never get a grasp on controlling the dust in your home? You're not alone — and you're not to blame as your HVAC system could be the culprit.

Dust is a combination of debris and microparticles such as hair, skin flakes, and lint. Too much dust in your home can be a problem for anyone with asthma and allergies.

Dust will always continue to accumulate, so it's important to keep up with dust management to promote better indoor air quality.

HVAC Causes of Dust

  • Cheap Filters — There is a reason why those filters are so cheap. They use cheaper materials and have lower MERV rating (performance level of filtration). Chances are that the filter you bought to save a couple of bucks doesn't even catch dust.
  • Dirty Filters — Filters will gather dust and particles over time and will eventually become ineffective.
  • Dry Air — Dry air allows dust to flow more freely throughout your house whereas air with humidity is denser and settles faster.
  • Leaky Ducts — Leaky ducts cause your system to work harder than it needs to and can also allow air to escape through holes.

How to Get Rid of Dust

If you think your HVAC is the cause of excess dust in your home, there are a few things you can do to get the dust under control. Here are a few dust removal tips:

  • Replace Your Filters — We recommend changing your HVAC air filter every 2-6 months depending on the type. As we mentioned before, you should buy a filter with a higher MERV rating, but you do not want to go too high. A filter with a MERV rating that is too high can restrict airflow and cause other issues, so it's important to buy a filter with the proper filtration level.
  • Check Your Ducts — Schedule duct cleaning once a year to remove any dust, debris, or other contaminants that have stuck to the inside of your ducts. Have your HVAC technician check your ducts for any leaks that could be causing more dust to escape into your home.
  • Schedule a Duct Cleaning with One Hour – Routine duct cleaning removes regular buildup in your HVAC system. Call our team today to schedule a duct cleaning for your system.
  • Get an Air Purifier — Air purifiers can be added on to existing HVAC systems to boost the air quality in your home.
  • Upgrade Your HVAC System — Perhaps your HVAC system is old, ailing, and simply not working like it used to. Schedule a call with our maintenance techs today to diagnose your system to see if an upgrade to a more efficient unit is right for you.

When you notice deficiencies in your indoor air quality, it's time to call in a professional. The experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Southeast Pennsylvania are available to assist you 24/7 to help with dust management, HVAC system maintenance, duct cleaning, and more! Schedule a service visit today.