What is indoor dust?
Have a dusty home? Indoor dust is a mixture of solid particles and biological materials that are found in indoor environments. It is made up of a variety of things, including:
- Dead skin cells
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Bacteria
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Fibers from clothing, carpets, and furniture
- Construction materials
- Particles from the air, such as smoke, soot, and ash
Dust is a common problem for homeowners. It can also be harmful to your health. Dust mites, for example, can trigger allergies and asthma. The amount of dust depends on factors such as the number of people living in your home and the number and types of pets you have. Outdoor dust can also get into your home if windows and doors are not sealed properly.
Top 3 common sources of dust
Although many sources of dust are beyond your control, there are things that contribute to dust in your home that can be prevented. Here is a quick list of the top three common sources of a dust in a home.
Humidity Levels
- High humidity: High humidity levels can lead to an increase in dust mites, which are microscopic insects that live in dust and can trigger allergies and asthma. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, so keeping your home’s humidity level below 50% can help to reduce dust mite populations.
- Low humidity: Low humidity levels can also be a problem, as they can make dust particles more likely to become airborne. This can lead to an increase in respiratory problems, such as coughing and wheezing. Keeping your home’s humidity level between 40% and 60% can help to reduce the amount of dust in the air.
There are ways to control your humidity levels if you are having problems. Installing a whole-home dehumidifier can be a solution. A Majestic AC Comfort Consultant can speak to you about whether your home, HVAC system or other factors are promoting dust production.
Your HVAC System
Although your HVAC system is the best defense against dust buildup in your home, it may be contributing to the dust problem. A properly working HVAC system takes outdoor air, filters it and delivers cold or warm air into your home. Clogged filters or leaking air ducts can lead to dust entering your home. Ensure that your air filters are clean and replaced at least every three months. Getting your HVAC system tune-up and maintained each year will also help it run efficiently.
Dirt in your carpets and rugs, dust in your curtains and upholstery
Dirt can settle into your carpets and rugs from your shoes. Dust naturally adheres to curtains and fabric furniture. Then when you use a vacuum cleaner with inefficient dust trapping ability, dust gets circulated into the air. Consider taking off your shoes at the door. Vacuum your draperies with the vacuum attachments using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
Steps to reduce dust in your home
There is no getting past dusting your home around once per week. Since dust comes mainly from skin cells, pet dander and other sources beyond your control, you will need to come up with a dusting schedule.
Check your air filters
One of the first steps to reduce dust in your home is to make sure your air filter is clean. Depending on how many people and pets are living in your home, your HVAC filter may need to be replaced monthly.
Check if your home is sealed tightly
If you think there is excessive dust build up in your home, consider contacting Majestic AC to evaluate your HVAC ducting, window and door seals. This will also help in maintaining proper temperature and humidity in your home. A home that is not tightly sealed can get contaminants and pollutants from outside to enter into your home.
Check your home humidity levels
Excessively high or low humidity may be dangerous to your family’s health. Make sure your humidity levels stay between 40-60%. Majestic AC has products to help maintain these levels.
Invest in an air purifier
Air purifiers work with your home HVAC system to remove harmful pollutants as well as dust from the air. Majestic AC offers choices when it comes to cleaning and purifying the air that you and your family breathe.
Dust is a nuisance that all homeowners have to deal with. There are factors that contribute to dust build up but there are things you can do to keep it manageable. If you are serious about your family’s indoor air quality, schedule a consultation with Majestic AC. We have made it one of our missions to make indoor air quality a priority in homes.