Keeping a clean house is something that many homeowners take seriously. Few things can make your home appear dirty faster than dust that has settled on the surface of your furnishings.
Some dust finds its way into your home through open doors or windows, but your furnace system could be contributing more dust to your environment that you realize. Learn more about the relationship between the health of your heating system and indoor dust.
Dry air circulates dust.
Dust particles are lightweight, and they can easily circulate through dry air. Air that has a higher humidity content causes dust to settle much quicker. This allows your furnace filter to trap dust particles before they are pushed through your home. If you live in an arid climate, then dry air could be contributing to your dust problems.
A heating system can further dry out the air and cause even more dust to appear on the surfaces inside your home. Consider having a humidifier installed by your HVAC company to help reduce dust by adding moisture to your indoor air.
The humidifier will also protect your hair, skin, and nails from drying out and keep your home feeling more comfortable over time.
Clogged filters contribute to dust levels.
The heated air that is circulated through your home is drawn into the furnace from the outdoors. This air passes through a filter as it moves into the furnace. The filter is designed to trap and remove any dust particles or other contaminants from the air supply before it is heated and distributed through your home.
A clogged filter isn't able to eliminate dust particles, and you may notice an increase in dust levels when your filter needs to be changed. Always keep a spare furnace filter on hand, and check the filter often to prevent clogs.
Leaky ducts let dust in.
Air ducts are a critical part of your home's heating system. These air ducts are typically hidden from view behind walls or ceilings, and they are responsible for moving heated air from the furnace to the various rooms within your home.
Over time, air ducts can develop leaks. The areas surrounding air ducts tend to be quite dusty, and this dust can filter into the ducts through holes or cracks. The airflow moving through the ducts carries dust particles into your home, resulting in an increase in dust levels. An HVAC technician will be able to inspect your ducts for leaks and make the repairs needed to reduce dust levels in the future.
If you've noticed a sudden increase of dust in your home, it may be time to have local heating services come examine your HVAC system.
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