Dust is everywhere. Made up of particles of dirt, skin flakes, hair and insects, dust is pervasive in the outdoor air, but it finds its way indoors through minute cracks in the home, as well as on our shoes and clothes. We also generate a good bit of dust by shedding skin flakes and hair, while carpets and upholstery contribute to the mix with microscopic fibers. Many people become allergic to these particles, so not only is controlling dust a cleanliness issue, but one that’s important to health.

Dust-Controlling Tactics

Learn how to improve your indoor air quality with the dust control tactics below.

• Turn on the HVAC system while you vacuum. You’ll stir up dust from carpets and upholstery while vacuuming; the A/C will draw in dust where it will be collected in the air filter.
• Avoid feather dusters, dry rags and brooms. These cleaning implements stir up dust, while an electrostatic or damp cloth and a damp mop will trap particles.
• Use a vacuum with an agitator, a spiral, rotating brush on the bottom of the vacuum.
• Take area rugs and cushions outside and beat the dust out of them with a tennis racket or broom while they’re hanging on a fence.
• Use a better air filter. Inexpensive fiberglass filters do nothing to improve indoor air quality. Use a pleated air filter made of cotton or polyester with a minimum equivalency reporting value (MERV) between 8 and 12.
• Have a whole-house air cleaner installed in your HVAC system. These do the best job of cleaning up dust in your home, but you may also use a portable model that can be moved room to room.

Learn more about E. Smith Heating and Air Conditioning’s indoor air quality solutions, or contact us today for other home comfort concerns.

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